Parent and child fostering plays a vital role in helping families stay together. It gives parents the chance to build confidence and care for their babies safely, with the right support in place.
In Torfaen, foster carers like Sandra are making that difference every day—offering guidance, reassurance and stability at a time when it matters most.
Sandra’s journey into fostering didn’t begin with a clear plan, but it has led to decades of experience and, more recently, a meaningful role helping parents and babies stay together.
From Single Mum to Experienced Foster Carer
Sandra first considered fostering at a time when she didn’t think she would be eligible.
As a young single mum living in a flat, she assumed it wasn’t an option. But after seeing a poster asking if anyone could foster, she decided to take that first step.
She began with short-term fostering and gradually built a wealth of experience, supporting children and young people with a wide range of needs. Alongside fostering, she continued to grow personally too—even gaining three degrees while caring for others.
Her story is a powerful reminder that fostering doesn’t require a perfect starting point—just a willingness to begin.
What Is Parent and Child Fostering?
Parent and child fostering is a specialist type of fostering where a carer supports a parent—often a new mum—and their baby together.
While many arrangements involve mothers, this isn’t always the case. Fathers can also be supported, depending on individual circumstances.
The goal is to help parents develop the skills and confidence they need to care for their child independently. Support periods are usually short-term (around 12 weeks) and structured, with clear goals and help from a wider professional team.
As Sandra explains:
“You’re not there to replace a parent. You’re there to support them.”
That support can include:
- Guiding daily routines and care
- Building a parent’s confidence
- Offering advice without taking over
- Working closely with social workers and professionals
At its heart, parent and child fostering is about mentoring—not stepping in.
Why Sandra Chose Parent and Child Fostering
After many years of fostering, Sandra began to reflect on the impact she wanted to have.
She had supported young people who later struggled as parents—and it stayed with her.
“I remember thinking, could I have helped earlier?”
Encouraged by her daughter, she decided to move into parent and child fostering. For Sandra, it was a chance to support families earlier and make a difference at the very start of a child’s life.
“I liked the idea of preventing children from coming into care in the first place.”
What Does Parent and Child Fostering Look Like Day to Day?
No two experiences are the same, but each day typically includes a mix of practical and emotional support.
This might involve:
- Supporting a parent with feeding, routines and appointments
- Observing and recording progress
- Encouraging positive interactions between parent and baby
- Providing reassurance during difficult moments
- Working alongside professionals to share updates
Some days require you to be more hands-on. Others are about stepping back and giving the parent space to take the lead.
As Sandra describes it:
“You talk them through things, then you step back. It’s about building their confidence.”
The Reality of Parent and Child Fostering
Parent and child fostering can be incredibly rewarding—but it also comes with responsibility.
There are times when stays feel intense, particularly at the beginning. You are supporting both a parent and a baby, and every situation is different.
“You have to be flexible,” Sandra says. “And you have to be real with people.”
Often, it’s not just practical parenting skills that need support. Building confidence, managing anxiety, and helping someone believe they can be a parent can be just as important.
There can also be uncertainty. Not every situation follows the same path, and outcomes vary.
What makes it manageable is understanding your role:
“You’re part of a team. You’re not the whole solution.”
The Benefits of Becoming a Parent and Child Foster Carer
For many carers, parent and child fostering is not only about supporting others—it’s also about personal fulfilment and growth.
You play a direct role in helping a parent build confidence and give their child the best possible start in life. Knowing you’ve helped keep a family together can be incredibly powerful.
As a specialist type of fostering, it also comes with enhanced financial support, along with ongoing training and the opportunity to develop valuable skills in mentoring, communication and care.
Specialist Training and Support in Gwent
One of the biggest misconceptions about fostering is that you need to know everything before you start.
Sandra’s experience proves otherwise:
“When I first started, I thought asking for help meant I wasn’t good enough. Now I know it’s part of the experience.”
Foster Wales provides dedicated support for parent and child foster carers, including a specialist support worker and a senior support worker. This ensures consistent, experienced guidance throughout every fostering arrangement.
There is also a six-day bespoke training programme designed specifically for parent and child fostering, helping carers build the skills and confidence needed to support both parent and baby.
You’re never expected to do it alone.
“It’s about being in an environment where you feel safe to ask for help.”
Common Misconceptions About Parent and Child Fostering
It’s natural to have doubts, especially if fostering feels new.
You might be thinking:
- “I don’t have the right experience”
- “It sounds too intense”
- “I wouldn’t know what to do”
In reality, you don’t need to be perfect or have all the answers.
Training, support and experience all build over time. What matters most is your approach.
“Be flexible. Don’t be judgemental. Be kind.”
The Moments That Make It Worthwhile
For Sandra, it’s often the quiet, everyday moments that matter most.
Like hearing a mum begin to talk and laugh with her baby after struggling to connect. Or seeing a parent leave fostering arrangement with the confidence to care for their child independently.
“These are big things,” she says. “They really are.”
These moments reflect the true impact of parent and child fostering—building confidence, creating stability, and giving families the chance to move forward together.
Could You Support a Parent and Baby?
There’s no single type of person who becomes a foster carer—but certain qualities can make a real difference.
“Be flexible. Don’t be judgemental. Be kind.”
Parent and child fostering is about supporting people through one of the most challenging times in their lives. It requires patience, honesty and the ability to encourage others without taking over.
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being present.
Thinking About Fostering in Torfaen?
Every parent deserves the chance to succeed—and with the right support, many can.
If you’re based in Torfaen and want to make a meaningful difference at the very start of a child’s life, parent and child fostering could be the role for you.
You don’t need to have all the answers before you begin. Training and support are there to guide you every step of the way.
Take the first step today — find out more or enquire about becoming a foster carer in Torfaen.
Sandra’s story shows that fostering often begins with uncertainty—but can grow into something truly life-changing for both you and the families you support.
