How common is abuse in foster care?
Most foster carers provide safe and nurturing homes. However, allegations of abuse and neglect in foster care do arise, and each concern must be taken seriously.
Children in care may already have experienced trauma and can find it difficult to tell someone what is happening. They may fear that they will not be believed, worry about where they will live or feel unsure about who they can trust.
How safeguarding failures can put children at risk
There is no single reason why abuse occurs in a foster home. Failures that may place a child at risk include:
- inadequate checks, supervision or monitoring of foster carers by a local authority or independent fostering agency;
- foster carers not receiving the training, support or resources they need;
- placing a child with complex emotional or behavioural needs without appropriate specialist support;
- pressure and staff shortages within children’s social care services;
- failing to make sure a child is visited regularly by someone they know and trust;
- not listening to or believing a child when they disclose abuse; and
- failing to investigate concerns properly or take appropriate action.
At Bolt Burdon Kemp, we support people who have experienced abuse in foster care. We also advocate for stronger safeguarding so that children are heard, believed and protected.
How our foster care abuse solicitors can help
Our specialist abuse solicitors understand how difficult it can be to talk about abuse in a foster home. We can listen to what happened, explain your options in plain English and advise whether you may be able to make a foster care abuse claim.
You will be treated with sensitivity and respect throughout. We will take the time to understand what you need and move at a pace that feels right for you.
If you or someone you care about experienced abuse in foster care, you may have legal options. Contact our specialist abuse team for a confidential, no-obligation conversation about how we may be able to help.
