ÖйúPÕ¾

Every foster carer is assigned a dedicated Supervising Social Worker who provides consistent, one-to-one support.

Your social worker is your main point of contact, offering guidance, advocacy, and practical help tailored to your unique fostering experience.

We offer a custom training package with access to over 200 courses. These cover everything from essential safeguarding and first aid to advanced topics like therapeutic parenting and trauma-informed care. This ensures you are always equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to support children and young people effectively.

Foster carers can gain accredited qualifications as part of their professional development. These qualifications not only enhance your skills but also recognise your dedication and expertise.

New foster carers are paired with an experienced foster carer ‘buddy’ who can offer advice, encouragement, and a listening ear.

This peer mentoring helps build confidence and provides valuable insight from someone who understands the challenges and rewards of fostering.

You’ll become part of a vibrant and welcoming community of foster carers across ÖйúPÕ¾. We host regular social events where you can connect with others, share experiences, and build lasting friendships.

These gatherings are a great way to feel supported and stay connected.

We offer a variety of support groups, both virtual and in-person, to suit your schedule and preferences.

These include specialist groups for different types of fostering, as well as a dedicated group for the children of foster carers, which runs during school holidays. These groups provide a safe space to share, learn, and grow together.

Fostering can be emotionally demanding, and we’re here to support your wellbeing.

Foster carers have access to therapeutic support services designed specifically to help manage the personal challenges that can arise from the fostering role. This includes counselling and emotional support tailored to your needs.

We offer competitive allowances for each child in your care, helping to cover the costs of daily living and ensuring you can provide a stable, nurturing environment.

These payments reflect the commitment and care you provide.

Support is available around the clock. Our 24-hour emergency line ensures that you’re never alone, no matter the time of day or night.

Whether you need urgent advice or reassurance, help is just a phone call away.

As a ÖйúPÕ¾ foster carer, you receive free membership to the Fostering Network and the National Association of Therapeutic Parents (NATP).

Foster carers are also eligible for a , which costs a small fee and provides access to over 15,000 discounts on products and services from a wide range of national and local businesses

These organisations offer additional resources, training, and advocacy to support your fostering journey.

We are proud to offer the Mockingbird Family Model™, an innovative approach to fostering that creates extended family-style support networks.

This model strengthens relationships, improves stability, and provides a sense of community for both carers and children.

The ÖйúPÕ¾ Leisure Offer is designed specifically for Children Looked After (CLA) and Care Leavers (CL). While foster carers can benefit from the offer, access is linked directly to the child’s eligibility. This means that the leisure membership must be set up through the child, and not independently by the carer.

Foster carers can enjoy 50% concessions on leisure activities when attending with the child, and birth/adopted children under 18 in the foster family are also eligible for this discount. However, the core membership—free gym, swimming, and activity discounts—is issued in the child’s name and managed via their social worker or personal advisor.

Please note that respite carers are not eligible for this scheme. Since the offer launched in 2022, we’ve explored options with leisure providers to include children in temporary care arrangements, but unfortunately, no workable solution has been identified to date.

Our regular foster carer newsletter keeps you informed with updates, training opportunities, events, support services, and stories from across the fostering community in ÖйúPÕ¾.

We understand that providing a safe and nurturing home sometimes requires practical investment. That’s why we offer interest-free loans and grants to approved foster carers and Special Guardians.

This funding can help with:

• Adapting your home to meet a child’s needs
• Purchasing a larger or more suitable vehicle
• Securing a property deposit
• Investing in technology or equipment to support your fostering role

Applications are assessed based on the child’s best interests, your fostering capacity, and your ability to manage repayments.

This funding is designed to promote long-term stability and success in fostering arrangements.

The ÖйúPÕ¾ Virtual School supports the education of children in care.

It works closely with foster carers, schools, and social workers to ensure every child receives the support they need to thrive academically and emotionally.

The Independent Visitor Service matches children in care with trained volunteers who offer friendship, consistency, and a listening ear.

This service provides children with a trusted adult outside of their care team, helping to build confidence and self-esteem.