Becoming a foster carer will be life changing, our foster carers would say that it is possibly the most rewarding experience that they have had, but it can also have its challenges, but we are there to support you.
The Fostering Team consists of A Team Manager, Supervising Social Workers and a Family Resource worker. All fostering families are allocated a supervising social worker who will help and support carers to provide a high level of care to any child or young person they are caring for. You will receive regular visits and supervision to ensure you are fully supported. This will include support for ongoing learning to enhance knowledge and skills to support children in your caring for.
Within the fostering team there is a dedicated duty worker who manages all referrals. They are also the point of contact if your worker is off or unavailable.
Who can foster?
If you are over 21 and are legally able to work in the UK, then you can apply to foster
Foster carers come from all walks of life - they can be as diverse as the children they look after. Carers can be single, married or with a partner and be of any sexual orientation. You can be a homeowner or live in rented accommodation. What you do need is time, patience, energy and understanding to give to children. We are looking for people who are nurturing, child centred and are able to understand the impact of trauma and early childhood adversities have on a child’s development.
Why Foster with us
As a local authority we aim to maintain the consistent elements of a child’s life where possible when they need to join our fostering families. If school, friendships, and family relationships can be maintained this gives children better foundations to overcome the trauma they have experienced with love and nurture. Having more local carers will help us achieve this goal, we need foster carers that can offer care to all ages of children including sibling groups and welcome applications from those interested.
