Apex Fostering is a team of people who work together to help children and foster families. Our job is to support children and make sure foster carers have the help they need too.
We care about children feeling safe, listened to, and respected. That means we try to make sure people explain things clearly, answer questions kindly, and help you understand what is happening. We know that moving to a new home can feel like a big change, so we want you to know you are not on your own.
Fostering is when a child lives with a foster carer because they cannot live with their birth family for a while. Sometimes this is for a short time, and sometimes it is for longer. The most important thing is that the child has a safe and caring home where they can feel comfortable and supported.
Your foster carer is there to look after you, help you settle in, and make sure you have what you need. You may meet different adults too, such as social workers or other members of the Apex team, and they are all there to help keep you safe and supported.
Fostering is a journey, and your feelings matter. It is normal to have questions, worries, or days when things feel hard. The important thing to remember is that there are people ready to listen and help.
At Apex, we want every child to know they are important. We want you to feel safe, supported, and understood wherever you are in your fostering journey.
We have three guides available to help children and young people understand fostering in a way that suits their age. For children under 8, our animation video is a simple and reassuring introduction to fostering. For ages 9-11, we offer a downloadable guide, and for 11+ we provide a separate guide designed for young people.
For Children Under 8:
Every foster home is different, but there are some things children often need and deserve in foster care.
Your foster home should feel safe and welcoming. You should have a space where you can sleep, relax, and keep your things.
Your foster carer should be kind, patient, and ready to help you. They are there to look after you, support you, and listen when you need to talk.
Many children feel better when they know what to expect. Your foster carer may help with routines for meals, bedtime, school, and playtime so life feels a little easier to manage.
If you are worried, upset, or confused, there should always be an adult you can talk to. Your foster carer, social worker, or someone from Apex can help you.
Adults sometimes use words that can be hard to understand. Here are a few that may help:
A foster carer is the adult who looks after you in their home.
A social worker is an adult who helps make sure children are safe and supported.
A placement is the foster home where you live.
Fostering means living in a home with a foster carer when you cannot live with your birth family for a while.
If you hear a word you do not understand, it is always okay to ask what it means.
If you are a child, young person, or adult looking for more information, Apex is here to help. You can contact our team if you need support or want to learn more about fostering.
It is important to know that you are not alone.
You can talk to:
If something is bothering you, please tell someone. Asking for help is a good thing, and the adults around you want to support you.
Sometimes foster care can bring big feelings. You might feel nervous, sad, angry, excited, or unsure. All of those feelings are okay.
If you feel worried, try to tell an adult you trust. They can help explain things, answer your questions, and make you feel more settled. You might also find it helpful to write things down, draw pictures, or share how you feel in whatever way feels easiest for you.
Apex wants you to feel safe and cared for. If something does not feel right, it is important to speak up so someone can help.
