Parent and Child Fostering

What is a parent and child placement?

A parent and child placement, also known as a mother and baby foster placement, is a type of fostering arrangement that involves supporting a parent and their young child in your home. Often, these arrangements are designed to offer guidance and support for young adults as they develop the skills needed to raise their baby independently.

Why do some parents and their children need to be fostered?

There are many reasons a parent and child may need the support of a foster carer. It may be that a new Mum is struggling to adjust to parenthood, making caring for a young infant and themselves incredibly challenging. Alternatively, they may not have experienced supportive parenting themselves. In turn, they may need a parental figure and positive role model to help them raise their child initially and become the best parent possible. If they’re young parents, they may also need support* and care independent of their child.

In other cases, some parents and their children may need to be fostered because:

• The new Mum or Dad may have a learning difficulty or mental health challenge that causes a few stumbles or obstacles when first becoming a parent. 
• There are alcohol, drug or other substance issues that impact the safety and care for the infant.
• The new parents have struggled to cooperate with other services, such as family centres and residential assessments.
• If the Mum or Dad has had a child removed from their care before due to neglect or abuse.

That’s why at Capstone, we equip you with the tools to support a family when they need you most. With the ability to change a young life, it’s truly rewarding work that lasts long after your placement ends.

Types of parent and child placements

Every family’s journey is different. The dynamic of which parent needs support and the age of their child means they deserve more than a template care package. This is why offer a range of placements designed to give parents a dedicated space while keeping their children safe, protected and nurtured.

• Assessment placements: Assessment placements usually last around 12 weeks and provide a structured environment where parents are assessed on their ability to care for their child, while receiving guidance and encouragement from foster carers along the way. With bi-weekly reviews, an interim report at 6-8 weeks and a final report, carers are specifically trained to facilitate this type of assessment.
• Pre-birth placements: Expectant parents are given the time and assistance to prepare for their baby’s arrival. This includes helping them understand their baby’s needs and building confidence in their ability to provide loving care from day one.
• Parenting support placements: For parents who may be struggling, this type of placement offers hands-on help in learning everyday parenting skills such as feeding, cleaning, and general safety. It can also provide a stable home when one is needed, creating a foundation for a more secure family life. 

We also provide other types of fostering placements tailored to accommodate a variety of needs. To learn more, visit our Types of Fostering page.

What is the role of a foster carer during a parent and child placement?

Parent and child fostering is about more than providing a place to stay. You’re opening your home and heart to support families at a time when they’re vulnerable. By offering a nourishing environment, you help parents develop the skills and confidence they need and ensure their child is cared for properly.

While the role isn’t without its challenges, many foster carers find it deeply rewarding to witness positive progress and know they’ve played a part in keeping a family together.

As a foster carer in a parent and child placement, you will:

• Provide a supportive home where parents feel reassured and children are protected.
• Help parents recognise and respond to their baby’s needs, from feeding routines and emotional bonding to cognitive play and washing.
• Observe how the parent is caring for their child and offer gentle, practical support when it’s needed.
• Attend specialist training that equips you with the tools and reliable knowledge to make a lasting difference.
• Encourage development and balance with household skills and money management.

Who is suitable for parent and child fostering?

Parent and child fostering is a highly rewarding role that requires a mix of experience, commitment, and the right home environment. Rather than presenting as perfect, it’s largely a case of meeting certain characteristics. After all, it’s about creating a supportive space where a parent can learn and grow, while their baby receives the care they need.

To be suitable for mother and baby or father and baby fostering, you should:

• Have appropriate experience and training: This usually means at least one year of active fostering or a background in a relevant childcare profession, such as midwifery or other medical roles, teaching, counselling, and even hospitality.
• Be confident caring for young children and babies: Parent and child foster placements often involve supporting very young families, as the parents themselves may be teenagers or young adults. One foster carer must be on hand at all times to supervise, guide and reassure.
• Provide a safe home environment for the family to thrive: You will need a spare bedroom large enough for both parent and child, including space for essentials like a cot and changing mat. A welcoming home provides stability for all involved and assures a healthy relationship.

The parent and child fostering role isn’t just about ticking boxes or meeting requirements. It’s about offering patience, empathy, and encouragement to parents at a pivotal stage in their lives and the lives of their children.

What training and support would you receive?

At Capstone Foster Care, all of our foster carers will receive tailored training before the placement and during the assessment process. We have a team of trained professionals who deliver foster care training sessions on a range of subjects, including (but not limited to):

• Child Protection & Safeguarding
• First Aid
• Logging, Recording & Data Protection
• Managing Behaviour
• Safer Caring
• Paediatric Emergency First Aid 
• Vulnerable children 

You can find specific information about our training and support here.

How are parent and child fostering placements assessed?

During the parent and child’s stay with you, the foster family, an assessment will occur over the course of a three month period in your home. As a parent and child foster carer, you will be trained to facilitate this type of assessment, as well as having extensive skills in observation and recording.

How long are parent and child foster placements?

The typical length of a parent and child foster placement is three months, but it depends on the individual assessment. In terms of specifics for the assessment timescale, there will be regular reviews every two weeks on the parent and child’s relationship and development, which will be chaired by the team at Capstone.

At the 6-8 week point, an interim report will be provided detailing how well the parent is performing in the assessment. Within two weeks after the 12 week mark, a final report will be compiled with clear recommendations.

Learn more about the parent and child assessments process from our detailed guide.

Becoming a parent and child foster carer with Capstone

As a parent and child foster carer, you’re the thread to a healthy, happy relationship between two generations. By building a positive bond by working openly and honestly, this allows for a realistic assessment by which the parent(s) gain courage, confidence and assurance. It’s a transparent process where you will inform the parent(s) daily about what you have recorded and observed.

Considering fostering a parent and child? Contact Capstone Foster Care for more information on our parent and child fostering services now.