Remand fostering offers young people who are remanded by the Courts with a remand foster carer while they await court proceedings. A remand placement is usually a short term arrangement and involves a foster carer working closely with youth justice officials.

Why is remand fostering needed?

For many young people who find their way into the criminal justice system, remand fostering provides an alternative to being in custody, an experience which is often damaging to their development and can increase their chances of reoffending in future. Being placed in the community with a supportive foster family is seen as a way to break this cycle and give young people the right environment in which to rethink their lives.

What remand fostering involves

These fostering placements are often needed urgently, and with very short notice. A foster carer who is interested in providing remand fostering must therefore be as flexible as possible in order to be available for these situations.

In some cases placements are planned, for example when a young person leaves custody and needs to be placed back into the community within a nurturing environment. In these situations it is best for a carer to be introduced to the young person beforehand, for example through visiting the young person in custody. This allows both parties to develop a relationship beforehand and means the young person can be released knowing that they have a home with a foster carer they know and trust.

Providing remand fostering

Foster carers with remand placements are expected to provide non-judgemental support and create an environment where they can start to plan a positive path for their lives.

A foster carer who takes on a remand fostering placement will be expected to undertake the relevant training beforehand, in order to equip them with the correct skills for this type of fostering. Foster carers should also be ready to work closely with a wider team of social workers, youth offending teams, teachers and health workers. They should be prepared to attend meetings with solicitors, and be present at Court when the young person is required to attend, as well as report on the progress of the young person whenever necessary.

If you’d like more information on remand fostering, call Nationwide Fostering for more details, we’re happy to answer any of your queries.