Foster carers are responsible for the day-to-day care of the child or young person placed with them. While the local authority remains legally responsible for the child, foster carers must work closely with social workers, teachers, health professionals, and, where appropriate, the child’s birth family. Their responsibilities include meeting the child’s emotional, physical, and educational needs, ensuring their safety and well-being, and supporting them to thrive in a stable home environment.
Fostering regulations in the UK set out the legal requirements for foster carers, covering who can become a foster carer, the approval process, training requirements, and the level of support and supervision carers receive. These regulations are designed to ensure that children in foster care are safe, well cared for, and supported to thrive.