Building Child-Centred Foster Care: Insights from Young People in Care

At Apex Fostering, child-centred foster care is a daily commitment to listening, learning, and acting on what young people actually tell us.

In our latest video episode of On the Sofa with Sal, Business Manager Sali and Creative & Marketing Manager Ezra share reflections from our internal Young People’s Participation Report; a confidential but important survey of how children and teenagers currently in our care experience Apex.

With 16 out of 19 young people over the age of 8 choosing to take part, the insights gave us clear actionable insights and feedback on their experience as young people in Apex Fostering.

How We Created the Report

This wasn’t a tick-box survey. Every young person who took part spoke to Sali and Ezra directly, through relaxed face-to-face Zoom conversations. We explained the purpose of the report in clear, age-appropriate language and encouraged honesty, whether that meant heartfelt praise or cheeky requests (like more cats).

What Young People Told Us

“It feels like family here”

Children spoke with warmth about their homes. Many described carers as "mum" or "dad" and their foster siblings simply as their brothers and sisters. This sense of belonging isn’t accidental, it comes from long-term placements, relational consistency, and a family-like culture where staff, carers, and young people are part of one connected team.

Being recognised makes a difference

Whether learning a new skill or simply managing emotions during dinner, small wins matter. At Apex, we celebrate with fridge magnets, praise postcards, and our Achievement Tree. Next year, we’ll introduce an award ceremony to recognise each young person’s unique journey.

One young person shared:“It’s amazing. Nothing could be better.”

We love the optimism and warmth in this comment, and we also know that great care means continuous improvement. We’re committed to listening closely, reflecting, and always finding ways to do better for every child in our care.

Listening is more than words

13 out of 16 participants said they felt listened to in decisions about their care. Every single young person could name a trusted adult they would go to for support. These responses reflect the emotional safety that Apex aims to provide, but also remind us to keep striving for 100 percent.

Participation means power

We always work towards including young people further in their own care journey. We’re continuing training to help them chair their own review meetings and shape their futures, once they reach appropriate age to partake. A youth-led newsletter is also in the works, giving space for creativity, reflection, and shared experience.

As one 17-year-old put it:

“I definitely get my word in. And decisions are made in my best interest.”

Skills for life matter too

From budgeting and cooking to emotional resilience and future planning, many older children asked for more life skills support. We’re connecting them with programmes like The Share Foundation, Skills2Thrive, and the YESS (Young Entrepreneur Smart Start) to make sure they’re not just safe, but also prepared for adult life.

Family isn’t simple – but it’s important

Some children expressed sadness about not being with their birth families. We honour those emotions with support, safe contact where appropriate, and memory-keeping tools like scrapbooks and photo frames. Identity, history, and connection all help the healing process. 

One message stood out: “Don’t give up on me”

Many young people had one clear message for adults considering fostering: don’t give up on us. One child asked future carers to understand that challenging behaviour often comes from fear. Sali shared how one young person stayed outside the bathroom door, afraid their carer might leave, despite being resistant during the initial weeks of their placement. These stories remind us that trust takes time, but it’s always worth it.

How Apex Build Child-Centred Foster Care

Not all agencies take this approach. At Apex, our carers can say no to a placement that doesn’t feel right. We match families and children with care and integrity, always placing relationships ahead of targets. Every child, including birth children in fostering households, is seen and celebrated. And every voice matters, from the very first phone call to the day a child moves on, and in our contact with them beyond that day. 

From Listening to Action

This isn’t just a conversation. It’s already creating real change at Apex. Here's a few of of our commitments and actions:

• Launching a youth-led newsletter and child-centred awards and celebration events

• Partnering with providers offering life skills training and creative learning

• Developing awards that reflect individual journeys

• Continue creating safer, more inclusive spaces for birth children in fostering homes by seeking out and listen to their feedback and experiences

• Encouraging care reviews to be led by young people themselves

Why This Matters

Child-centred foster care isn’t about doing more. It’s about slowing down enough to really listen. To show up with patience, steadiness, and safety. This report reminds us that when we take the time to hear what young people are telling us, they feel seen, loved, and valued. That is important to us.

Want to hear more?

Watch the full On the Sofa with Sal interview to hear directly from Sal and Ezra about how this report came together, what made them laugh (yes, many cats were requested), and how Apex is building a future led by the voices of young people.

If you're interested in changing a life and believe every child deserves to feel safe, heard and loved – we’d love to talk.

Let's Talk Fostering