Vulnerable children and young people are in care for all kinds of reasons so there are several different types of fostering.
For those of you thinking of fostering with us, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss what might suit you, your family and your skills and experience best so we can decide on what type of fostering you could provide.
Whichever type of fostering is right for you and your family, rest assured you will always have our complete support, including exceptional training for new foster carers through to opportunities for you to continue to develop your fostering knowledge.
Whilst Foundation Fostering is small, we have a well-resourced and experienced team to ensure that support is available when needed.
As well as a team of Supervising Social Workers we also have a dedicated Therapeutic Lead, Education and Wellbeing Officer and Family and Child Support Worker.
Fostering is very rewarding it is also challenging. In addition to the conventional support that every agency should offer, your Supervising Social Worker will be there for you to support you through every step of your fostering journey.
Small achievements and milestones will be recognised and celebrated.
It is important that they build a relationship with everyone in your family, so you all feel part of the community and the voice of all is listened to and heard.
We will be there for you 24/7 whenever you need us.
As well as the more formal support, we believe that more informal contact takes place, so that you have opportunity to build relationships within the community.
This is why we offer activities and family days throughout the year.
We truly believe that a ‘looked after carer means a looked after child’.
Support that you will expect to receive from Foundation Fostering includes:
Changing a child’s life through fostering is one of the most rewarding decisions you will ever make.
Of course, there are a number of steps you will need to take on your journey to becoming an approved foster carer but, rest assured, we aim to make it as easy as possible by helping to guide you through every step of the way.
OUR FRIENDLY TEAM ARE ALWAYS ON HAND AND YOU CAN CONTACT US BY CALLING
01684 311555 OR EMAILING US ON INFO@FOUNDATIONFOSTERING.ORG
Yes the thought can be daunting but if, for whatever reason, you have decided to transfer foster agencies, we will do our utmost to support you in making the process as quick and straight-forward as possible.
We are on a mission to reshape the independent foster agency landscape, providing an alternative where we genuinely do work in partnership and where carers and children are truly valued and supported.
If you do not yet have children placed with you, the transfer process can be relatively simple.
If you already have children placed, there are additional steps that must be taken which include notifying the child’s placing local authority.
Either way, we are on your side – ready and waiting to answer your questions and support you every step of the way.
Looking after a child involves more than just putting a roof over their head. Foster carers play a crucial role in providing a safe, nurturing environment that meets the child’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs.
To support this important work, foster carers receive a generous pay allowance designed to cover various costs associated with childcare. As foster carers are classified as self-employed, they also benefit from specific tax exemptions under the Qualifying Care Relief scheme.
These allowances ensure that carers can comfortably provide for essential items such as clothing, food, pocket money, school supplies, and travel expenses. In addition to these basic needs, the allowance also helps cover costs related to activities that contribute to the child’s overall well-being, such as recreational outings, hobbies, and educational trips.
Foster carers also receive a professional fee on top of the child allowances. This fee recognizes the time, effort, and commitment required to foster a child. To ensure our carers have the opportunity to rest and recharge, we also provide two weeks of annual respite care. This allows carers to take a break while ensuring the child continues to receive consistent care from qualified professionals.
Our goal is to provide comprehensive support to our foster carers, enabling them to focus on what matters most – providing a stable, loving environment for the children in their care. If you are interested in becoming a foster carer, we invite you to learn more about the allowances and support services available to help you make a positive difference in a child’s life.
WHO CAN BECOME A FOSTER CARER?
Almost anyone can become a foster carer. You don’t need to be married or own your own home. We welcome people from all backgrounds, ethnicities, and lifestyles.
DO I NEED A SPARE ROOMT Be A Foster Carer?
Yes, to become a foster carer you will need a spare room so that any child that may come to live with you has their own space.
CAN I FOSTER IF I LIVE IN RENTED ACCOMMODATION?
Yes, you can. You will need to speak to your landlord to inform them about your plan and to get their permission.
CAN I STILL WORK IF I BECOME A FOSTER CARER?
Whilst it may be possible for you to continue to work full time or part time, it is expected that our carers are available to the children that they are caring for which would include attending meetings. We would therefore generally expect that one foster carer is at home on a full-time basis or that any work is flexible enough to ensure that there is always somebody available to meet the needs of a placed child. It is also an expectation that carers are available to attend any required training.
WHAT TRAINING WILL I RECEIVE?
At Foundation Fostering we will ensure that we support you to become the best that you can be and hold your hand throughout your fostering journey. This will include offering quality training in a range of subjects both before and after you become an approved foster carer.
I AM SINGLE, CAN I STILL BE A FOSTER CARER?
Yes, we welcome applications from those that may be single. We ensure that careful consideration is given to all placements with thorough matching.
WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT DO FOSTER CARERS RECEIVE?
We provide comprehensive support to our carers through a dedicated team that includes Supervising Social Workers, a Therapeutic Lead, an Education and Wellbeing Officer, and a Family and Child Support Worker. Our carers have access to 24/7 support, regular community activities, and family days, ensuring they feel valued and part of a supportive community throughout their fostering journey.