Peer or Parent: The Role of Adolescent Children of Local Authority Foster Carers

Abstract

Abstract When I was sixteen years old, my parents became local authority foster carers. There is no legal recognition of the role that older children play in the care of younger foster siblings. We are not recognised as carers and yet are often involved in providing care and supervision of younger siblings. There are recorded benefits to being a foster sibling, but there are also challenges that come with the role. Within this reflective narrative piece, I seek to trigger a discussion within the field around the role that young adults play in the fostering process. I use my own experience to raise key issues around the safeguarding of not only young people who are looked after but also those whose parents choose to foster. In doing so I aim to open debate around the responsibilities of practitioners to recognise and adequately prepare young adults for the role they will play in a fostering household.