Reflecting on the theme of this year’s Foster Care Fortnight, we at the UK Fostering work feel that we work hard to create an environment in which all, whether you are a foster carer, young person, staff member or external colleague, can feel part of the UK Fostering community.
For us at the UK Fostering we believe that our foster carers are the foundation of our service and ensuring that foster carers feel supported and included is of great importance to us. So, how do we do this? The main areas of support we offer at UK Fostering are detailed below.
- Fostering allowance: Foster carers receive a competitive fostering allowance of between £393 and £658 per week, depending on the age and needs of the child. This will also increase over time as you gain more experience as a foster carer.
- Allocated Supervising Social Worker (SSW): Every foster family is provided with a fully qualified supervising social worker through UK Fostering. This is a key part of the foster carer support we provide to our carers. The supervising social worker visits the foster carer regularly, accompanies them to meetings and is in regular phone contact with them. They support, encourage, guide, train and work with foster carers at every stage of the fostering journey.
- 24/7 Foster Carer Support: All of our carers have 24/7 access to a member of staff for any form of emergency. This can be very important when carers are faced with a difficult situation or indeed any form of emergency that may arise and it’s important that a foster carer knows there are support measures in place for these situations.
- Training: Fostering is a challenging task and because of this we provide a comprehensive training programme covering aspects such as behavioural management, health and safety, first aid, attachment theory, communication in a professional environment, fostering regulations and law etc. We also encourage and support our carers to attain the standards set out by the Children’s Workforce Development (CWDC) and NVQ level 3.
- Monthly visits: A supervising social worker typically visits the fostering home at least once per month, if not more, in order to provide support and guidance to the foster carer and to address any issues.
- Telephone calls: The supervising social worker calls the foster carer at least once every week, in most cases more often, to touch base and discuss anything the foster carer needs to address.
- Social meetings: We arrange meetings where carers can meet like-minded people and share their experiences, learn from each other and get to know people who can become part of their support network.
- Family outings: We also organise activity-based events for foster carers and their families e.g. a trip to a theme park, or an end of year celebration. These can help build positive relationships and experiences for those concerned.
- Foster carer’s support groups for Birth Children: We organise special support meetings for foster carers’ own children, where they can meet peers from other foster families.
- Discount scheme: Hundreds of discounts through a membership card with high street shops, theme parks and web based businesses.
- Access to professional advice: We recognise that managing the more practical aspects of the fostering process can be tricky with a busy lifestyle. Because of this each of our foster carers and their families are provided with direct access to the following, which are provided to anyone living within a foster family and can make a big difference:
- An accountant
- A legal advisor
- An educational advisor
We think that we are getting it right most of the time but sometimes it is just the ‘small things, the personalised support, or ‘above and beyond that makes a difference to young people. Here is what some of our carers and other professionals have had to say about UK Fostering and our fantastic foster carers 😊:
“You truly have all put a lot of heart and effort into little things that make a difference. I think that’s what makes the UK Fostering so special. Thank you 😊”
Feedback from a Foster Carer
“You have worked tirelessly to ensure safety and ensure that your foster carers have the support required to help them manage some very complex and challenging behaviour presented by these children. I am extremely grateful for your contribution to the stability of these placements.”
Feedback from a Local Authority
“Whenever we needed our SSW she was always there, sharing her skills and knowledge so that we could be the best foster carers we could possibly be. Overall, we are delighted to be part of the UK Fostering family and are amazed at how competent your social workers are.”
Feedback from a Foster Carer
“You are amazing carers and I cannot thank you enough. You go above and beyond and I could not wish for a better family for my girls. I can see how much progress the girls have made and feel that you have both done an amazing job”
Feedback from a Birth Mother about UK Fostering Foster Carers
“UK Fostering has really stepped up during this Covid crisis and I feel really supported. I appreciate all the efforts that are being made and all the things UK Fostering are thinking of to help children and carers.”
Feedback from a Foster Carer
If you are interested in joining our UK Fostering community then please check out our current available roles at https://ukfostering.org.uk/about-us-1/jobs/
By Lynsey Dobbs, Senior Recruitment Officer
