Support, help, patience and reassurance can help a child or young person come to terms with decisions that are made about their future. The support and training we provide will enable you to give a high standard of care to the children you look after and develop new skills.
Within the first 12 months of being approved, you are required to complete the Children's Workforce Development Council's training, support and development standards for foster carers.
The following support is offered to all our foster carers:
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a foundation training course where you will be able to discover and discuss more about the challenges and rewards of fostering
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your own supervising social worker who will visit you on a regular basis
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local foster carer support groups
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various financial allowances to cover general expenses, travel arrangements, activities and celebrations, plus the opportunity to work through different fostering Levels (with payment for skills) and receive additional allowances in recognition of skills and experience gained
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on-going training once you are approved including your attendance at the foster carer induction training programme and the opportunity to study for the BTEC Advance Skills in Foster Care Level 3
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out of hours telephone support and access to the emergency duty team
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the provision of essential equipment
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a transport allowance for larger families
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a copy of the foster carer handbook
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free membership to the Fostering Network, offering information on training events, a legal advice service and access to a confidential advice and mediation service.
