Parent and child fostering is one of the most transformative types of care we offer. It’s about nurturing not just one life, but two — and sometimes shaping the future for generations to come.
At Wholistic, we take a whole-family view of care. When a parent is struggling, we step in not to separate but to support — giving them the time, skills, and safe space to become the parent their child needs.
Sometimes, a parent — often a mother, occasionally a father or couple — is placed into foster care alongside their baby or young child. This usually happens when the local authority feels the parent needs support in learning how to care for their child safely and independently.
As a parent and child foster carer, you’ll be offering more than a room — you’re offering guidance, stability, and a safe environment in which they can grow.
Placements typically last 12–26 weeks and are intended to build parenting skills, prevent family separation, and offer a chance for recovery, reflection, and change.
This type of fostering may also be referred to as mother and baby fostering, although we welcome carers open to supporting any parent who needs help.
Every parent is different — and so are the stories that bring them to your door. Some may be teenagers with no family support; others might have experienced trauma, substance misuse, learning differences, or domestic abuse.
What they all have in common is a need for someone to believe in them, model healthy parenting, and help them fill in the gaps — practically, emotionally, and safely.
As their foster carer, you will:
There may be cases where, despite best efforts, the outcome is that the child cannot remain with the parent. Even then, your role ensures that the parent was given the best possible chance — and that the decision was made fairly, with dignity and care.
At Wholistic Fostering, we believe that healing happens in relationship. That’s why our support doesn’t stop at the child — we work holistically, building wraparound support that respects each person’s journey.
With parent and child fostering, this means you’ll have:
Parent and child fostering can be emotionally intense. We’re here to hold space for your growth, too — not just the family in your care.
We welcome parent and child foster carers from all walks of life. You don’t need to have your own children — what matters is your capacity to guide, mentor and care, and a strong foundation of experience.
You may have the right qualities if you:
If you’re already experienced in fostering or work with families in your professional life, parent and child fostering may be the next natural step.
You won’t be doing this alone. From day one, we’ll provide:
We know how deeply you’ll invest in the families you support. That’s why we invest just as deeply in you.
When you foster a parent and their child, you offer them more than a roof. You give them the space to learn, grow and sometimes rewrite their story entirely.
If you believe in second chances, lifelong impact, and therapeutic, relationship-led care, this may be the perfect role for you.
👉 Speak to our team today to learn more — and take the first step in helping a family build a brighter future together.
