Support for Foster Carers

Support for the families who foster is very important to the outcome of a placement.  The work foster carers do and the contribution they make to young people’s lives requires appropriate and adequate support.  Support available to our carers is reviewed and adjusted where necessary to increase the likely success of the placement.

We provide the following support to foster carers:

Supervision and support from a dedicated and fully qualified social worker

Minimum monthly supervision/support visits

Regular telephone support

Out of office hours telephone support from a qualified social worker

Monthly foster carer support group meetings

Foster carer mentors available to new carers

Social events for foster carers and young people

An Induction which includes the completion of the Certificate for The CWDC Training ,Support and development standards for foster carers and in addition a robust post approval training programme.  All carers will have a personal development plan.

Access to NVQ level 3 Caring for Children and Young People and other relevant specialist training

Competitive rate of financial support

14 nights respite every year (April to March) increasing to 21 days when a foster household has 2 permanent/long term placements.

Back up carer support (identified within carers own support network of family and friends) which attracts a fee

All carers are members of Fostering Network, which enables access to a legal helpline and insurance (theft and public liability)

Foster Carer Handbook is provided to all carers. This provides information on all aspects of the fostering task.

Fee paying scheme

Annual Loyalty Bonus