Support for Children & Young People
Children and young people are at the centre of everything Child and Family Haven does. Here is how we think about supporting them well.
Understanding What Children and Young People Need
Children and young people who come into contact with fostering services often carry more responsibility, uncertainty or change than their age would suggest. Supporting them well means recognising this, and responding with patience, consistency and respect.
Building Blocks for Wellbeing
A number of themes consistently matter for children and young people in and around foster care.
Safety
A secure, predictable environment where a child can feel protected.
Stability
Consistency in routines and relationships, even when circumstances change.
Education
Encouragement to engage with school and learning, at a pace that suits the child.
Emotional Wellbeing
Space to process feelings and experiences with patience and understanding.
Being Heard
Genuinely listening to what children and young people say about their own lives.
Preparation for Adulthood
Support in building the confidence and skills needed for greater independence.
Identity, Belonging and Relationships
A child’s sense of who they are, where they come from and where they belong matters enormously. We recognise the importance of respecting each young person’s background, culture and identity, and of supporting relationships that matter to them, including with birth family where this is appropriate and safe.
Positive relationships with carers, teachers and other trusted adults can make a lasting difference to how a child experiences this period of their life, and to their confidence as they grow older.
Supporting a Child or Young Person?
If you would like to know more about how we think about supporting children and young people, we are happy to talk.