Support for Foster Carers
Experienced Social Workers
You will be allocated a highly qualified supervising social worker who you will have regular contact and supervision with. Your social worker will be based at a local office, allowing strong relationships to develop – we know how important this is. We will ensure the support you receive from your social worker suits your needs.
Fostering Support Groups and Memberships
We also run a number of support groups. These groups give you the opportunity to discuss issues or concerns with other experienced carers and our local team of professionals. Networking with other carers in your area can be really helpful and we like to support this process as best we can.
You will also have instant access to Foster Talk, an independent organisation that provides a range of support and advice services to our foster carers. You will also be given membership to New Family Social, a charity for LGBT+ foster carers and adopters.
Round the Clock Support
Day or night, we’re available to help you – not something Local Authorities or other agencies always offer. We know this round the clock support is absolutely crucial. With our 24 hour helpline, highly qualified staff are always on hand to help. We also offer therapeutic support when needed to the children and young people living with you.
Specialist Training
Starting with the Skills to Foster course, our training has been organised in a way that suits you; it is local and accessible. The Assessment & Therapy team provides additional education and training for foster carers when required. This training is informed by research into the impact of developmental trauma on children and young people, and how this manifests in the behavioural presentation. This specialist training will help you as a foster carer to manage challenging behaviour and, in turn, reduces the risk of the placement breaking down.
Paid Short Breaks When Needed
We know that having time off is crucial, so we provide our carers with up to 14 days paid leave. We have ‘short break’ carers available to ensure that you can take time off when needed.