A common question from foster carers is, "Can I take my foster child on holiday?" The answer is yes! Holidays can be meaningful, transformative experiences for foster children and their carers.
At Lighthouse Fostering, we encourage carers to create special memories with the children in their care. Family holidays build trust, create positive experiences, and help children feel like part of the family. With proper planning, holidays can be a rewarding experience for everyone.
Breaking the Holiday Myth
The idea that foster children can’t go on holiday comes from outdated assumptions. While carers need to follow procedures and get permissions, these steps are designed to protect children, not stop them from enjoying family experiences. Local authorities and fostering agencies, like Lighthouse Fostering, understand the value of holidays.
The key is communication and planning. Before booking, carers should discuss plans with their supervising social worker and the child’s social worker. This ensures the holiday is in the child’s best interests.
Why Holidays Matter for Foster Children
For children who’ve experienced trauma or instability, holidays offer a sense of normality and belonging. Many foster children have never had a family holiday, and others may associate holidays with negative experiences.
Inclusion and Belonging
Taking your foster child on holiday shows them they belong. Joining in the excitement of planning, packing, and travelling helps foster children feel included and valued, building their sense of identity within the family.
Building Trust and Bonds
Holidays provide unique opportunities to strengthen relationships. Away from daily routines, families can spend quality time together. Exploring new places, trying new foods, or tackling minor challenges (like a delayed flight) creates positive shared memories that foster children can carry with them.
New Experiences
Holidays expose foster children to new environments, cultures, and activities. These experiences not only create joy but also broaden their perspective, spark interests, and build confidence.
Practical Tips for Holiday Planning
Permissions and Paperwork
Carers need to obtain permission before taking a foster child on holiday. For UK holidays, this usually means notifying the child’s social worker. Overseas trips may require additional documentation, so plan ahead. Lighthouse Fostering provides guidance to make this process smooth.
Travel Insurance and Safety
Ensure foster children are covered in your travel insurance policy, and discuss safety rules before travelling. Clear communication about what to do if separated or in unfamiliar situations helps ensure a stress-free holiday.
Managing Emotions
Holidays can be emotionally intense for foster children. Excitement or new experiences may trigger anxiety or unexpected behaviours. Maintaining familiar routines and being patient with emotional responses helps ensure a positive experience.
Choosing the Right Holiday
UK Breaks
Staycations and UK holidays are great options. Seaside towns, national parks, and activity centres provide new experiences without the stress of international travel.
Activity-Based Holidays
Structured activity holidays, like adventure centres or theme parks, suit many foster children. Shared activities create natural bonding moments and memories.
International Travel
For children ready for bigger adventures, international holidays can be life-changing. However, they require more preparation and consideration of the child’s readiness for unfamiliar experiences.
Creating Lasting Memories
Holidays are about more than just fun – they’re opportunities to create positive, lasting memories. Involve foster children in planning, document the experience with photos or journals, and share stories afterward to reinforce the joy and sense of belonging.
Support from Lighthouse Fostering
At Lighthouse Fostering, we believe holidays are powerful tools for bonding and creating positive experiences. We support carers with planning, permissions, and advice to ensure holidays are smooth and enjoyable. Our team is available to provide guidance, even if challenges arise during your trip.
Moving Forward with Confidence
The idea that foster children can’t go on holiday is a myth. Holidays offer valuable opportunities to bond, build trust, and create meaningful memories. Whether it’s a weekend trip or an international adventure, these experiences can have a profound impact on foster children and their carers.
If you’re a foster carer or considering fostering, know that holidays are part of creating a full family experience. Let’s work together to give foster children the love, stability, and joy they deserve – one holiday, one memory at a time.