Summer 2026
Tracy, a foster carer with Bexley, shares how becoming a parent-and-child foster carer transformed her life and the lives of young families she has supported. Her journey highlights the powerful impact of offering guidance, stability and compassion at a crucial time.
What first led you to become involved in parent-and-child fostering?
I was asked to support a 15-year-old girl who was heavily pregnant and needed a safe place to stay until she gave birth. I hadn’t done this type of fostering before, but I was willing to step in and it became one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had.
What is parent-and-child fostering?
It’s a specialist type of fostering where carers support young or vulnerable parents to learn how to care for their baby safely, with the aim of keeping families together wherever possible.
How is it different from other fostering roles?
You’re not the main caregiver for the baby. Instead, you act as a guide, often described as a “silent parent”, supporting, observing and encouraging the young parent to take the lead.
What does a typical day look like?
You’re there throughout the day and night, offering guidance and reassurance. This includes being available during feeds and even in the middle of the night, ensuring both parent and baby are safe and supported.
What qualities are important for this role?
Patience, empathy and strong communication skills are essential. You need to be a good listener, non-judgmental and confident enough to step in if there are safeguarding concerns.
How do you build trust with young parents?
Being open and honest is key. I explained that I would be writing daily logs and made sure the young mum could read them, helping her feel included and respected.
What are the emotional challenges?
The uncertainty can be difficult. Young parents are often anxious, especially when court decisions about their child’s future are involved and supporting them through this can be emotionally demanding.
What does success look like?
Success is seeing a parent grow in confidence and move forward independently with their child. I’ve supported a young mum who achieved exactly that and years later, her child is thriving.
Bexley Fostering provides excellent training and ongoing support. As a parent-and-child foster carer, you can make a lasting difference, helping young families stay together and build brighter futures.
Cllr Chris Taylor – Cabinet Member for Children and Families said:
We are committed to ensuring every child grows up feeling safe, supported and connected to their community. Our foster carers play a vital role in making that possible. Through initiatives like Fostering Together and our strengthened support for foster families, we are building a system where carers feel valued and children can thrive close to the people and places they know. I want to thank every foster carer for the difference they make, and encourage anyone considering fostering to take that first step."
Visit our fostering website or give us a call on 020 3045 4400.
At just 23, becoming the full-time Kinship carer for her 12-year-old niece wasn’t something this Bexley resident ever imagined. But when family circumstances changed, she stepped forward without hesitation. Nearly two years later, she says it was the best decision she could have made.
Please note that the names have been changed for privacy reasons.
Samantha has settled superbly within my care, we’re coming up to two years of being a little team."
Kinship care allows children to stay connected to their family, school and community when parents cannot care for them. Across Bexley, more relatives and close family friends are opening their homes during difficult times.
For this Kinship carer, the transformation in her niece has been remarkable.
Samantha’s mental health has improved dramatically. It’s fantastic to see her learning about herself in a relaxed environment."
A major milestone came in January 2026, when their Child Arrangements Order was finalised:
It’s drastically important, since then, I’ve seen a real boost in her confidence and future plans."
Finances were a challenge, but support through the Kinship Allowance Pilot has eased pressure. She also praises Bexley Social Services for clear guidance throughout.
Her message to others considering kinship care is simple:
You won’t regret it. Providing stability for a child you love is incredibly rewarding. Kinship carers play an essential role in keeping children connected to the people, places and relationships that matter most."
Cllr Taylor, Cabinet Member for Children and Families said:
In Bexley, we recognise the unique challenges kinship families face and we are committed to strengthening the support available to them. By investing in training, guidance and practical help, we ensure kinship carers feel equipped and valued as they provide stability and continuity for children who need it. Their contribution is vital to our vision of keeping families strong and children rooted in their communities."