Each year, Foster Care Fortnight provides an opportunity to recognise the vital role that foster carers play and to amplify the voices of those with lived experience of the care system. It is a time to reflect not only on the dedication of carers, but also on the responsibility that public bodies hold to safeguard children placed in care, and to respond effectively when that duty has not been met.
At Enable Law, we believe that every child in foster care deserves safety, dignity and respect. When children experience abuse or neglect whilst in foster care or residential settings, the impact can be lifelong.
Recognising the challenges
Foster caring is complex and often emotionally challenging. Many foster carers provide extraordinary levels of care, compassion and nurturing to children who have experienced trauma, loss and instability at a very young age.
Caring for children with complex emotional and behavioural needs can place significant pressure on carers and their families. Foster carers may face limited access to timely support or specialist training, and may have difficulty managing the emotional strain when confronted with trauma-related behaviours.
During Foster Care Fortnight, it is important to recognise that the vast majority of foster carers work tirelessly, often in very difficult circumstances, to protect and support the children in their care. Strong safeguarding frameworks, effective oversight and accessible support for carers are essential, not only to protect children, but also to ensure that foster carers are properly supported in the vital role they play.
When safeguarding fails
For many children, foster care offers stability, trust and a chance to thrive. However, we know from the accounts of survivors that this is not always the reality. Abuse in foster care can take many forms, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional or psychological harm, and neglect. it may be carried out by foster carers, other children in the placement, or professionals responsible for the child’s care.
In many cases, survivors tell us that concerns were not acted upon, risks were overseen, or disclosures were not believed at the time. Some people do not feel able to speak about what happened until many years later, and this is something that we at Enable Law are actively trying to improve.
The lasting impact of abuse in care
Abuse experienced during childhood, particularly in a care setting, can have profound and lasting effects. Many survivors describe feeling anxious or depressed, having difficulties forming trusting relationships, issues with their self-esteem and identity, and challenges in education or employment.
It is never too late to seek recognition and support. Taking legal advice can be a powerful step in helping survivors feel heard and validated.
Standing with survivors
Enable Law stands with survivors of abuse in care. We recognise the bravery it takes to speak out and the importance of having specialist legal support that prioritises dignity and respect.
Our dedicated Abuse Team is here to help, with extensive experience in supporting survivors of abuse, including those who have been harmed whilst in foster care or other local authority placements. With a trauma-informed and survivor-focused approach, we understand how difficult it can be to speak about past experiences, and we work at a pace that feels safe, comfortable and manageable for each client. Nobody should feel pressured to come forward before they are ready, so when the time is right, the Abuse Team can offer a free and confidential conversation to help survivors understand their options.
To talk to a member of our team, call us on 0800 044 8488 or fill in our contact form so we can give you a call at a time convenient for you.
