Reasons for a Child to be Taken into Care
There are many different reasons for a child to be taken into care of a Local Authority; but it typically comes down to one thing. The fact that their parent(s) can no longer look after them, keep them safe and/or protect them from harm. A foster family for a child in the care system is a safe-haven; somewhere they feel integrated, safe and loved…a home.
We have outlined some of the possible reasons below in greater detail; so you can get a better understanding of what these children could have gone through before being matched with a foster family.
Reasons for a Child to be Taken into Care
Abuse
If a parent, partner of a parent, guardian, or other family member is suspected of or found guilty of abuse; a court judge may decide that the child is not safe to stay in his or her current living arrangements. The next step is to find a suitable home for the child; and if there are no other alternatives, i.e. grandparents, then a foster home will be sought.
There are many types of abuse that can lead to a child being placed in foster care. A child may have been emotionally abused over time to the point where it is decided they are no longer safe within their home. A child may have been sexually abused or beaten. In the end, it is up to a court or a child protection officer to determine if a child needs to be placed in the care system and a new home needs to be found.
Neglect
Neglect is a form of abuse that involves lack of care for a child. It is not necessarily physical, mental, or sexual; although in some cases it can be a combination of all those, but it is just as damaging on its own. To give you an example, a child who is not fed as much as is necessary may suffer pain that is as bad as or worse than physical abuse. A child who is left alone, not loved or shown affection may feel just as hurt as a child who is physically abused.
As with abuse, if a child needs to be placed into foster care, child protection or the court has to determine that neglect is happening and that it is at a level that makes it dangerous for a child to continue living in that environment. Signs of neglect typically include obvious malnourishment, consistently dirty clothing, a lack of necessities and consistently neglected school work or attendance.
Loss
It is a myth that all foster children are abused, chronically neglected or badly behaved children. Some have unfortunately lost their parents or guardians to disease, an accident, drug abuse or were given up for adoption. These children can go into foster care until a more permanent home is found, i.e. adoption or children reaching adulthood.
Behavioural Problems
In some cases, if you have a troubled child it would not matter how well-meaning their parents were, they are still going to be troubled. These children could be loved and cared for and have well-functioning families. Despite these factors, they may have behavioural problems that are bad enough that the Social Services or court will determine that they or those around them will be safer if the child is placed in foster care. If the child’s behaviour is not stable enough to be matched with a suitable Foster Carer then they will be placed in a residential care home.
Your Expectations as a Foster Carer
When you are new to fostering it can be easy to believe that the child will be grateful and relieved to be out of their home situation. This is rarely the case. Whatever bad situation the child has come out from, this will be their “norm” and all they have ever known. Be prepared for the child to be anything but happy about being in your home initially. Over time you will gain their trust; and they will start to relax and appreciate the small things you do for them. Understanding that this will take some time is essential.
High expectations can lead to your disappointment!
Get in Touch
If you would like to learn more about becoming a Foster Carer then please get in touch for a chat. You can contact us, leave your phone number and we will call you back; or submit your details using the form below. We recruit Foster Carers from all across the North West, and we would love to hear from you!