Celebrating Children’s Voices in Fostering

We’re incredibly proud to share that we’ve won Best Foster Participation Response, presented by The Young Commissioners on behalf of the 4C’s. This award means a great deal to us because it highlights something we believe sits at the very heart of fostering: listening to children and ensuring their voices are heard.

Why This Award Matters

The Young Commissioners praised our response for being child-friendly, for clearly explaining the decisions children are involved in, and for showing how we support young people to have their voices heard and make informed choices. 

At Family Fostering Partners, we understand that making sure processes are explained in a way children understand, and that their opinions are valued, listened too and where possible, acted upon, can make a life-changing difference to the confidence, wellbeing, and sense of belonging for children who are looked after.

The Role Foster Carers Play Every Day

While this award recognises our response, it also shines a light on the incredible role foster parents play. Foster parents take time to listen, reassure, and explain decisions calmly and honestly; but never without the support of their dedicated Supervising Social Worker.

By involving children in everyday choices, from family routines to bigger conversations about their care, foster parents help young people feel respected and empowered. That sense of being heard can build resilience, trust, and self-esteem that lasts long into adulthood.

How Supervising Social Workers Support Participation

Supervising Social Workers play a vital role in making sure children’s voices are not only heard but acted upon. They work closely with fostering families; offering guidance on how to support children to express their views and bridging the gap between fostering families and wider services; they act as an advocate on behalf of the child and the fostering family.

They also provide foster parents with ongoing support, ensuring foster parents feel confident and well-supported in their role. This strong relationship helps create consistent, child-centred care.

Hear from Nat, who describes the support she receives from her supervising social worker.

Thank You to Our Foster Family

A huge thank you goes to our young person for helping us create our video response to the 4C’s, and to her family for joining us to accept the award and take part in an ideas exchange with the Young Commissioners Voices Board. Their involvement perfectly reflects what fostering is all about: teamwork, openness, and a willingness to learn and share ideas.

Could You Be the Next Foster Carer?

Becoming a foster parent isn’t just about offering a spare room; it’s about offering time, patience, and a listening ear. By fostering, you can help a child feel valued, included, and confident to use their voice. With the right support around you, you can be part of positive change in a child’s life. Contact us today to learn more about fostering with Family Fostering Partners.