Foster carers cannot take the place of parents

Foster carers cannot take the place of parents

Residential care is the only option for some children because foster care, which essentially mirrors a family unit, is often too frightening and painful for a child who has left a dysfunctional family. Residential care is so important, and should be an equal option for children alongside fostering, because it has more boundaries and rules and regulations, which many young people might find annoying but do respond to, and the staff are carers rather than parents.