Support & Training
We really pride ourselves on the support we offer our foster parents. For most day-to-day needs, your supervising social worker will be your main point of contact in the fostering team. But there will also be times when you need support from one of our therapists, or from our support services team.
We will always be on-hand to provide the support you need.
Whether it’s meeting with our in-house therapists or administrative support, help is always just a phone call away.
24/7 Phone Support
You will have 24/7 phone support with management response in crisis emergencies.
Whatever the situation or issue, all our foster carers know they have social worker support on the end of the phone when they need it.
These measures are in place to support you and the young person in your care.
Supervising Social Worker
Every family is allocated a fully qualified supervising social worker to provide direct support and supervision. Your SSW visits you regularly and usually has weekly phone contact, even if it’s just to see how you’re doing.
SSW’s will accompany you to many professional meetings, complete annual reviews and training plans and guide you through the challenges of being a foster carer. Their role is to protect and support you on your fostering journey.
Foster Care Support Workers
Children’s activities, sessional work and consultations are all organised by our support services team, who work with birth children as well as children in foster care.
They organise 15-20 activities a year for our young people. Activities usually take place during school holidays and we normally go away for most of the day.
Specialist Support
Our fosters carers have access to specialist support from our team of in-house therapeutic practitioners.
Their role is to focus on the specific needs of your young person and how they can best support you to meet those needs.
Children benefit most from therapeutically-informed care. Our therapists train and support foster carers and staff to deliver this care and maintain the highest standards.
Foster Support Groups
Foster carer support groups (we call them pods) are held regularly throughout the year.
Many of our most experienced foster carers attend these groups and testify to the value they have provided over the years.
Foster Carer Reps
Our foster carer reps are regionally based and never far away. If you’d like more than a chat on the phone, they will often get out for some coffee and cake.
We host regular events where you can come join us for a coffee and ask any questions you have.
This is an informal meet-up for you to meet the fostering team!
Training is a key part of your role as a Foster Carer. As such, Family Care offers a comprehensive package of training and support throughout your time with us.
We want you to be able to provide the best possible care to the Young People we serve, and a wealth of knowledge is one of the best ways to do this.
This is part of our detailed program called Foundation to Foster, which includes training and mandatory training courses, which require refreshing as outlined below.
We provide a full calendar of foster carer training events focusing on the skills and knowledge you will need to effectively support a young person. Some are online training courses, and some are face-to-face.
Our training calendar is issued every year, so you can plan ahead and earmark the courses you must attend, as well as those you would like to.
You will also meet with your Supervising Social Worker to work on Personal Development Plan (PDP) for the year ahead.
We provide a wide variety of training to help you develop your skills as a foster carer before you attend panel.
This training is mandatory for all applicants as part of their fostering assessment:
Once you have been approved as foster carers, you will need to complete mandatory training within the first year to meet TSD Standards.
This training ensures that our foster carers feel well equipped in their role, and can offer the best care to the young people they look after:
Fostering can be challenging at times, and carers must be equipped with the necessary tools to manage challenges that arise.
Each family will have a Personal Development Plan (PDP) which charts your training record and what training you must complete.
Foster Carers may progress through the skills bands as they acquire skills, knowledge and experience, and will be available to care for children whose needs require the level of skill needed for the band.
By becoming a Foster carer with Family Care, you'll have the chance to make a meaningful difference and give a child the opportunity to thrive.
Our team will be there to support you every step of the way, offering training and guidance and you will receive a competitive fostering allowance.
24/7 Phone Support
A friendly, experienced team member is always on the other end of the phone to help you feel reassured and supported.
Supervising Social Worker
A dedicated SSW will provide advice, visit regularly and attend meetings with you, so you're never alone.
Specialist Therapeutic Support
Our in-house team work closely with you to understand the child’s background and provide training in therapeutic techniques.
Foster Care Support Workers
Our dedicated support workers facilitate fun, enriching experiences that build confidence and connection in children in foster care.
Training & Development
Our training includes workshops and the opportunity to complete fully funded Level 3 and Level 5 Diplomas in the Children’s and Young People’s Workforce.
Foster Care Support Groups
Whether you’re looking for advice or just a listening ear, these groups create a true sense of community.
Foster Care Reps
Our foster carer reps are experienced carers who are always happy to meet up, share their insights, and offer encouragement.
Estimate your fostering allowance based on your circumstances.
It's quick, simple and helps you understand the support available to you.
Our friendly team are here to help, no matter what stage of your fostering journey you are at.
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