Foster parents give children and young people a safe, stable home when they cannot live with their birth family. It is a professional role built on everyday care, patience, advocacy and the willingness to keep learning.
You do not need to arrive as an expert. Flourish will help you understand the role, prepare for the realities of fostering and build the skills to support children who may have experienced trauma, loss or instability.
A foster parent becomes the main day-to-day caregiver for a child or young person. You may be taking them to school, preparing meals, helping with routines, listening when things are difficult and celebrating progress that other people might not notice.
You will also work with professionals, attend training, keep records and advocate for the child in your care. It is a significant responsibility, but it is not one you carry alone.
From your first call, you will meet people whose role is to help you understand what comes next. During assessment you will work closely with a social work assessor and begin training. Once approved, you will have a dedicated supervising social worker, access to our in-house therapy team and 24/7 support.
You will also become part of a regional community of foster parents who understand the realities of the role.
Your social worker, regional team, therapy team, trainers and practical support colleagues work together, so you are not left to join the dots.
Our relationship-led approach helps foster parents look beyond behaviour, understand what a child may be communicating and respond with confidence.
Foster parents need time to rest and recharge. Flourish provides 21 days of paid respite each year.
Foster parenting is a professional role. Our fees and allowances reflect the skill, commitment and responsibility involved.
You will have a dedicated supervising social worker and a responsive team who take time to understand you, your household and the children in your care.
Develop your confidence through specialist training and opportunities to work towards recognised qualifications.
