Supporting A Child’s Sense of Belonging and Identity as a Foster Carer

For every child, feeling like they belong matters. Knowing who you are, and where you come from are things many of us grow up taking for granted.

For children in foster care, belonging and identity can be complex. Many have experienced change or uncertainty, and may be navigating where they fit and how they see themselves. Fostering plays an important role in providing stability and support during this time.

How to support children in care

Belonging and identity are shaped through everyday experiences. In fostering, this means creating space for children to feel included, heard and respected for who they are and where they come from.

This might look like:

• Supporting children to practise their faith or celebrate religious festivals

• Learning about and honouring cultural traditions

• Keeping connections to language, food, music or customs that matter to them

• Helping children stay connected to their community, school and friendships where possible

Foster carers aren’t expected to know everything straight away. What matters most is openness, being willing to learn, ask questions, and support what’s important to the child. We offer cultural holiday payments for our foster carers too.

Helping children understand their identity

Children may have questions about their past, their family, or why they’re in care. These conversations can be complex and emotional, and they don’t come with a script.

'We support the children we care for to feel they belong, through life story work, helping them to talk about birth families, looking at photos together, having their photos on show with our own family photos and celebrating their strengths. Training on life story work and having regular conversations with our supervising social worker has been really beneficial with us supporting children in care with their identity.' - Michelle, foster carer

Foster carers support children by:

• Creating safe spaces for questions and feelings

• Listening without judgement

• Offering reassurance and honesty, at a pace that’s right for the child

• Working closely with professionals to ensure children feel supported and understood

Over time, this helps children build a stronger sense of self and confidence in who they are.

Support for foster carers every step of the way

Supporting a child’s belonging and identity is not something carers do alone. Our carers are supported with guidance, training and advice to help them navigate these important areas with confidence.

Because when our foster carers feel supported, they’re better able to support children, and that support can make a lasting difference.

Interested in fostering? Book a call back with a member of our team here.