What support do foster carers get?

Our dedicated and close-knit fostering teams offer friendly, caring, round-the-clock support for everyone in the foster family.

Unlike parenting your own children, as a foster carer, you never have to go it alone! Our foster carers are highly valued members of the Family Fostercare family, and we believe as passionately in meeting their needs as we do in meeting the needs of the children we find foster homes for.

Our fostering teams are there not only to provide the mandatory supervision required by the local authority but also to provide practical and emotional support for fostered children, foster carers, and foster carers' own families. Each of our local offices has a team of experienced and conscientious Social Workers who are supported by Family Support Workers and Fostering Admins to make sure everything runs smoothly and that everyone gets the care and support they need. We also have a network of Therapists, Counsellors, and welfare specialists who we can call upon as needed.

To ensure everyone has the time, energy, and motivation to deliver our very special family-feel brand of fostering, we keep our offices small, with each team working with a maximum of 25 families. Our lower-pressure working environment makes for happier, more motivated teams and our staff retention is excellent. This means we are able to build stronger, more supportive, and lasting relationships with foster carers that are based on mutual understanding, and we have the time and opportunity to recognise carers' individual strengths and support needs.

Enhancing the Fostering Journey with Comprehensive Support

At Family Fostercare, we understand that fostering is a unique and rewarding experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. That’s why we are committed to ensuring our foster carers have access to the best possible resources, guidance, and support throughout their fostering journey. Our approach is built on a foundation of understanding, compassion, and a deep respect for the vital role that foster carers play in the lives of children and young people.

Tailored Support for Every Foster Family

We recognise that each foster family is different, and so are their needs. This is why we offer a personalised approach to support for foster carers. From the moment you join Family Fostercare, you will have access to a range of tailored support services designed to meet the specific requirements of your family and the children in your care. Whether it’s guidance on managing complex behaviours, advice on fostering best practices, or just a listening ear when you need it most, our team is here to provide the help and support you need.

We pride ourselves on being responsive and adaptable. If your circumstances change or you encounter new challenges, our support evolves with you. This flexible approach ensures that you always feel supported and empowered to provide the best care possible.

Professional Development and Continuous Learning

Fostering is a journey of continuous learning, and we are dedicated to helping our foster carers develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. We offer a comprehensive training programme that covers a wide range of topics, from basic fostering skills to more advanced areas such as therapeutic care, managing trauma, and supporting children with special educational needs. These training sessions are designed to equip you with the tools and confidence to handle the diverse situations that may arise in your fostering role.

In addition to formal training, we also encourage peer learning and knowledge sharing among our foster carers. Our regular support groups and social events provide opportunities for you to connect with other foster carers, share experiences, and learn from one another in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Building a Strong Foster Care Community

At Family Fostercare, we believe that fostering should never be a solitary experience. Being part of a supportive community is crucial in helping foster carers feel connected and valued. Our small, close-knit teams are dedicated to fostering a strong sense of community among our carers. We organise regular social events, training workshops, and peer support groups, all designed to bring foster carers together to share their experiences, offer support, and build lasting friendships.

Our community extends beyond just the foster carers. We also work closely with the birth children of foster families, recognising the important role they play in the fostering process. We provide support and resources to help them understand their role and ensure they feel included and valued within the fostering community.

Access to Specialist Support Services

We understand that some fostering situations require specialised support. That’s why we have a network of professionals, including therapists, counsellors, and educational specialists, who are available to provide additional assistance when needed. These experts are an integral part of our support for foster carers, ensuring that both foster carers and the children in their care receive the highest standard of support.

Our commitment to providing specialist support is underpinned by our belief in holistic care. We know that fostering can sometimes be challenging, and we want to ensure that every foster family has the resources they need to overcome any obstacles and continue to thrive.

Comprehensive Support Services for Foster Carers

We offer a complete range of support for foster carers to help them deliver the very best standards of foster care. This includes:

  • Monthly social work supervision (as a minimum)
  • 24/7 telephone support
  • Internal/external training opportunities
  • Representation at all child care reviews and conferences
  • Psychological support and family counselling
  • Peer support
  • Social events
  • Respite care (holiday cover) arrangements
  • Support with your foster care learning and development portfolio
  • Financial reports and support with carers' self-assessment tax form
  • Free subscription to FosterTalk and all the associated membership benefits

Above all, we provide friendly, personalised, and consistent support for foster carers and their families from small regional offices staffed by dedicated employees with all the time, knowledge, and understanding needed to help make each fostering placement a success.

Recognition and Reward for Foster Carers

At Family Fostercare, we deeply value the dedication and commitment of our foster carers. We believe that their hard work deserves recognition, which is why we have systems in place to reward and celebrate their achievements. From long-service awards to recognition at our annual events, we make sure that our foster carers feel appreciated for the incredible work they do.

Join Us on the Fostering Journey

If you’re considering becoming a foster carer, or if you’re already part of our fostering community, we want you to know that Family Fostercare is here to support you every step of the way. Our commitment to providing exceptional support for foster carers ensures that you never have to face the challenges of fostering alone. Together, we can create a positive and nurturing environment where children and young people can thrive.