Foster care is when a child lives with a kind grown-up who looks after them because their parents are unable to right now. Foster carers help children feel safe, loved, and happy. They make a safe place where you can eat, sleep, play, and go to school. You can still see the people you love, and there are lots of adults who can help and listen to you. Being in foster care is not your fault. You are special, important, and cared for.

Sometimes parents need help and can't look after their children right now. This might be because they are poorly, need to sort things out, or need some extra support. Foster carers look after you to keep you safe and happy while your parents get the help they need. This is not your fault. You didn't do anything wrong. Grown-ups are working together to help you and your family.

Adoption is a permanent arrangement where adoptive parents assume full legal responsibilty for the child until they reach adulthood. In contrast, foster parents do not have full legal responsibility. When a chid is made the subject of a care order, the local authority has legal responsibility (Part 3 of the Children Act 1989). However, foster parents may adopt their child if they wish to do so.

Lots of people are here to help you!

• Your foster carer looks after you every day. They give you food, help you get ready for school, play with you, and make sure you're safe and happy.

• Your social worker visits you to check you're okay. They listen to you and help with important decisions.

• Your birth family (your mum, dad, brothers, sisters, or other family) still love you. You might see them during family time.

• Your teachers help you at school and make sure you're learning and having fun.

• Other people like doctors, your Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO), and support workers all help to keep you safe and well.

You are important and lots of people care about you!

Living with a foster carer can feel different at first, but you'll soon get used to it.

• You'll have your own bed and space for your things

• You'll have yummy meals together

• You'll go to school and play with friends

• There will be rules and routines to help you feel safe

• You can play, have fun, and be yourself!

• Your foster carer will help you with homework, bedtime, and anything you need

Every foster home is different, but all foster carers want you to feel safe, happy, and loved.