What It Takes to Become a Parent & Child Foster Carer at Blue Sky: A Conversation with Abbey Knight

Supporting Parents and Children Through Fostering

“At Blue Sky, we find homes for children. We also find homes for parents and their children,” Abbey explains. She’s referring to the increasingly vital area of Parent and Child foster care, a type of arrangement that offers vulnerable parents a final opportunity to demonstrate they can safely care for their baby in a supported environment.

These arrangements are usually short-term – around 12 weeks – but they leave a lasting impact. “The reason why [our foster carers] do it is because they want to give parents that second chance to continue caring for their children,” Abbey says. “When we’re able to support a parent back into the community with their baby together, that is such a massive win.”

What Makes a Great Foster Carer?

So, what qualities do you need to become a Parent and Child foster carer?

According to Abbey, empathy and non-judgemental support are crucial. “You need to be able to step in alongside a parent and foster without judgement,” she says. Many parents in these placements are facing their final opportunity to keep their children. “You’ve got to be able to support that parent with their emotions... also teaching them how to be a parent – even really basic skills like how to change a nappy.”

You’ve got to be able to support that parent with their emotions... also teaching them how to be a parent – even really basic skills like how to change a nappy.

You’ve got to be able to support that parent with their emotions... also teaching them how to be a parent – even really basic skills like how to change a nappy.

Being a foster carer is both emotionally demanding and profoundly rewarding. “I love making that phone call... ‘Congratulations, a mum and their baby are on their way to you now – they’ll be there in a couple of hours, get the kettle on,’” Abbey shares.

Specialist Foster Carer Training and Support

At Blue Sky Fostering, we know that the right training and support makes all the difference. That’s why Parent and Child foster carers receive comprehensive, specialist training, including:

• One-to-one guidance from experienced professionals (many of whom are ex-Parent and Child carers)

• Parent and child mental health training

• A mix of online and in-person courses

• Ongoing development beyond initial requirements

Each new carer is also matched with a “buddy carer” – someone who’s walked the path before and can provide mentorship during the first months or years of your fostering journey.

Financial Support for Foster Carers

We understand the time, care, and emotional energy involved in fostering. That’s why Blue Sky offers a generous enhanced carer allowance. As Abbey puts it, “The job is demanding, and our carers give a lot... Blue Sky recognises that.”

Careful Matching for Safety and Success

Every Parent and Child fostering placement is carefully matched to ensure the safety, comfort, and well-being of both carer and family. We consider:

• The carer’s home setup (e.g. annex vs shared space)

• Location (balancing support network and safety)

• Presence of pets or birth children

• The parent’s specific needs and risks

Make a Difference Through Fostering

Above all, fostering is about compassion, resilience, and offering hope. “Anyone can be a Parent and Child foster carer,” Abbey emphasises, “but what you do need is that natural, empathetic approach.”

If you're interested in becoming a foster carer in the UK, whether for Parent and Child placements or otherwise, we’d love to support you on your journey.

Ready to start your fostering journey?

Apply to become a foster carer today or learn more about Parent and Child fostering at Blue Sky.