Solo Fostering

Solo fostering is a specialised form of fostering where a child or young person is placed in a household as the only foster child. This arrangement is often chosen to provide focused care and support for children with specific needs or challenging backgrounds.

At Footprints, we see solo fostering as a critical service to help vulnerable children thrive in a safe and stable environment.

Who is solo fostering for?

Solo fostering - Footprints Foster Care

Solo fostering is ideal for children who require extra attention and care, such as those with:

  • Complex emotional or behavioural challenges
  • Histories of trauma, abuse, or neglect
  • Special educational needs or disabilities (SEND)
  • High-risk behaviours that need close supervision

By limiting the number of foster children in the home, foster carers can dedicate time, energy and resources to meet the individual needs of the child. This approach is instrumental in helping children develop trust, self-esteem and coping mechanisms.

Carers can tailor their parenting approach to the child’s specific needs, and children often make significant progress in solo placements due to the high level of care and stability.

A one-on-one arrangement usually builds stronger relationships between the child and their carer.

Is solo fostering right for you?

While rewarding, solo fostering can be demanding. It requires resilience, patience, and specialised training to manage the complexities of the child’s needs.

If you are considering solo fostering, here are some key questions to consider:

  • • Are you able to dedicate significant time to one child’s needs?
  • • Can you handle challenging behaviours calmly and effectively?
  • • Have you received, or are you willing to undertake, specialist training?
  • • Do you have access to emotional and professional support?
  • • Can you provide a safe, secure, and welcoming home environment?

At Footprints, our solo carers benefit from comprehensive training, regular supervision and access to 24/7 support, ensuring they’re well-equipped for the unique demands of this role.

Contact us

To find out more about solo fostering, contact our expert team.

Want to know more about fostering?

 

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Contact Us

Footprints Foster Care Ltd
Registered Company No 07879639

Longham Business Park
168 Ringwood Road
Ferndown
Dorset BH22 9BU

T: 01202 573408
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