Most foster children come from vulnerable backgrounds and some may have experienced trauma. Hence, there may be some differences in their habits, thinking and behaviours when they are first placed with foster families. We encourage potential foster parents to be patient and exercise flexibility when supporting their foster children; and spend time to slowly gain the trust of and build a positive relationship with the child.

Another challenge foster parents face is letting go of foster children when it is time for them to return to their birth families, and some would understandably feel a sense of loss when they leave. MSF officers and our social services professionals work closely with foster parents to provide counselling and emotional support during the transition period.