how can i support a foster family?

[YBR]

It seems very likely a family i'm close friends with will foster in the new year; I'd like some ideas on how I can be supportive please.

Here's a sketch of the situation: family consists of husband, wife, 2 teenage kids. The FC is about 8 and the man's grandson via previous wife; SS are expected to remove the FC from his mum soon. The FC has always spent the weekends with his granny (previous wife) or this family. There are half-siblings but not part of this arrangement.

I think you could ask them. Suggestions (depending on your relationship with them) may be to offer to have drb checks so you can babysit, always treat the foster child as part of the family and equal to other kids in the family. Don't ask about the whys and wherefores, I have really gone off friends who hint and try to find out the history or ask too many questions.

agree with lovesmile, being available and approved to babysit and offer an occasional overnight so the family can regroup is worth so so much.