Local foster carers for local children
Every mile matters Here’s why staying local matters to children in care.
Continuity in education
- Staying in their current school means less disruption to learning
- Children keep their teachers, friends, and routine — a crucial source of stability
- They can continue with exams, special education plans, and extracurricular activities
Maintaining relationships
- Staying near siblings, extended family, and friends helps reduce feelings of loss and isolation
- Supports contact with birth family when it’s safe and appropriate
- Preserves important social and cultural connections in their community
Supports emotional wellbeing
- Familiar surroundings help children feel grounded and safe
- Reduces anxiety and trauma during an already difficult transition
- Allows for a smoother adjustment to foster care
Easier access to support
- Children can continue to access their local GP, therapist, and social worker
- Helps the professional network around them stay consistent and effective
- Ensures coordinated care and support in the community they know
Minimises long journeys
- Avoids long travel times for school, family contact, or support services
- Reduces stress and improves the quality of time spent on meaningful activities
