Vicci Jones, Director of Social Work, Swiis Foster Care
Whilst some carers prefer to be known as ‘foster carers’ and others prefer ‘foster parents’, in practical terms it is essentially the same role. In some contexts, the difference between ‘carer’ and ‘parent’ is subtle, but for many families and the wider foster care sector, the use of terminology can make a huge difference.
When the Children’s Act legislation was established in 1989, the term ‘foster parent’ was more commonly used, but with the introduction of subsequent legislation since then, that term became largely outdated. Yet, at Swiis, we’ve noticed that despite no official change in policy, the term ‘foster parent’ is becoming more widely used in the industry and by government departments. So, what term is correct and what impact does the terminology have on the industry?
The need to highlight the professionalism of foster carers
There is a strong view to say that amid a shift towards the term ‘foster parent’, the risk is that it doesn’t capture the breadth of tasks that a professional foster carer undertakes, nor does it do justice to a crucial role.
The move to the term ‘foster carer’ was originally a drive to raise the professional status of foster carers, to enable them to have professional status in the team around the child.
Foster carers are highly trained professionals. For example, Foster carers at Swiis go through a comprehensive training programme with access to ongoing specialist training and support to ensure they always have access to the latest information they need to fulfil their potential and change the lives of the children in their care.
Caring for other people’s children is complex. A professional approach is needed to manage the intricacies of emotions in, and out of the home from dealing with education providers, the NHS, as well as ongoing ‘family time’ with the birth parent(s).
Encouraging inclusivity in foster care careers
The challenge in using the term ‘foster parent’ is that it may lead to the misconception that you must already be a parent to become a foster parent. At a time when the demand for foster carers is on the rise, the danger is that people will rule themselves out of a career in foster care.
While being a foster carer does assume an element of parenting, it’s much more than that – and is open to people of all backgrounds and situational differences.
In comparison, the foster carer title can help attract, and support applications from a broader range of people.
Use a child-first approach
Ultimately, the most important consideration is what works best for the individual child.
A child may wish to refer to their carer as a ‘foster parent’; the person, couple or family that has room in their hearts to care for, love and support a child and treat them as one of their own.
We also know that children in foster care do not wish to be identified as being in care. They simply wish to be allowed to get on with their life, with the support to do this.
Most children and young people have continued significant links to birth families and we know this is an elemental part of their identity. For them, referring to their foster carers as parents may create confusion when they already have a relationship with their own parents.
I believe there is value in both terms, with ‘foster carer’ remaining the prominent term, and with sensitive use, the term ‘foster parent’ has a place to acknowledge the emotional element of the role.
