Hampshire foster carers play key role in children’s safe return home

For some children, foster care provides a safe and stable home while work takes place with their family to address the difficulties that led to them coming into care. When those circumstances improve, a planned return home can help children rebuild relationships with their parents and wider family and give them the stability and sense of belonging they need to thrive. 

In the video, a young person returning home after foster care thanks their carers and support network for helping them through a difficult time and enabling them to reunite with their family, highlighting the lasting impact fostering can have on children's lives.  

Councillor Roz Chadd, Hampshire County Council’s Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services, said: “For many children, returning home to their family is the best possible outcome when it is safe and appropriate to do so. Foster carers play a hugely important role in helping children through that change, giving them the stability, reassurance and care they need. 

“That support can make a real difference to whether a child’s return home is successful and lasting. It is good for children, good for families and good for Hampshire as a whole, because strong family support helps build stronger communities.” 

The County Council has recently refreshed and strengthened its guidance to support children in care to return safely to their parents or others with parental responsibility. Known as a child’s “Going Home” journey, the process depends on careful planning and support to make sure any move home is safe and sustainable. 

Foster carers are a key part of that. They know the child’s routines, needs and experiences, and can help them prepare for the move home. They also work closely with social workers and families, supporting contact, attending planning meetings and helping everyone understand what the child needs. 

Hampshire County Council recognises that a child returning home can also be an emotional time for foster carers. Support is available throughout the process through supervising social workers and peer networks. 

Anyone interested in fostering and making a difference to the lives of children and families across Hampshire can find out more and request an information pack here.