Children’s Voices at the Heart of Skylark Fostering

At Skylark Fostering, we believe every child deserves to be heard. But we also believe that listening is only the beginning.

It’s What We Do With Children’s Words That Matters

Every child has their own experiences, feelings, relationships, personality and hopes for the future. When a child is in foster care, it is important that the adults around them take the time to understand what matters to them, what helps them feel safe and how they can be supported.

That is why we don't just listen to children - we use what they share to help shape what we do.

More Than Listening: Making Children’s Voices Count

At Skylark, we want children and young people to have opportunities to spend time together, have fun and share their thoughts in their own way. Whether they want to talk, get involved in an activity or simply enjoy being with others, there’s no pressure to share anything they don’t want to. We listen to what they feel comfortable telling us and respect each child’s choice.

We listen carefully to what children share about their experiences, feelings and what they need from the adults around them. Their words don’t just stay in the room - they help us create resources that bring children’s voices into everyday conversations across Skylark, shaping how we support children and the work we do.

These resources will support discussions during initial home visits, fostering panels and throughout the assessment process. But our commitment to children’s voices goes much further than that.

We want what children tell us to be at the heart of Skylark Fostering — in the way we work with children and young people, support our approved foster carers, recruit and interview our team, and reflect on the services we provide.

Their voices help shape not just individual conversations, but the culture and values of our agency.

What Children Told Us — and How Their Voices Help Shape What We Do

“Listen to me.”

Children told us that a good foster carer listens to them. They want someone they can talk to who understands when they are feeling sad.

Their words remind us that listening must be part of every relationship we build. Whether we are talking with children, supporting foster carers or welcoming new members to the Skylark team, we want understanding and respect to remain at the centre of what we do.

“Be calm.”

Children shared that when they are angry or experiencing big feelings, they need adults to remain calm. They also told us that difficult moments can affect them for the rest of the day.

By sharing these insights across Skylark, we can continue to reflect on how the adults around children respond to difficult moments and how we can help create environments where children feel safe, supported and understood.

“Get to know me.”

Children told us they want foster carers to know about their favourite foods, their personality and the things they enjoy doing. They want to be recognised for who they are, not just what they have experienced.

This is an important reminder for everyone at Skylark. Every child is an individual, and understanding their interests, preferences and personality should be part of the way we approach our work.

“Help me keep my family.”

Children have told us that safe and positive relationships with their family matter to them. They have also shared the importance of photographs, memories and feeling included.

We recognise that every child’s family relationships and circumstances are unique. Listening to children helps us approach these important areas with care, empathy and respect, recognising the people and relationships that matter in each child’s life.

Making Children’s Voices Part of Everything We Do

Listening to children should not be limited to a single event, conversation or stage of fostering. It should continue to influence how we learn, reflect and support the children and families we work alongside.

Our events are one way we create that space. Through games, crafts, food, laughter and time together, we give children opportunities to enjoy themselves, build connections and express themselves in a relaxed environment.

What children share with us matters beyond the event itself. Their experiences and ideas help us reflect on how we support children and young people, work alongside foster carers, welcome and recruit our team, and continue to develop Skylark as an agency where children’s voices are genuinely valued.

Because a Child’s Voice Matters — Not Just When They Speak, but in What We Do Next

At Skylark Fostering, we want children’s voices to be at the heart of everything we do. We will continue to listen with care, respect every child’s individual story and find meaningful ways to turn their words into action. 💙