Support for foster carers
You will have an allocated worker from the Fostering and Adoption team who will meet with you regularly, at least monthly, but more often if required.
We know how important it is that foster carers get the right preparation, support and training.
Support groups
We know that peer support is really helpful when you are fostering so we hold regular support groups and have introduced a buddy system for newly approved foster carers.
We believe that you can never stop learning about children so we expect carers to complete required training in child protection, first aid and safer caring prior to having a child living with them.
Training courses
You would also have access to our annual programme of face-to-face training courses as well as online training that can be accessed at any time.
Fostering network
We will also pay for you to be a member of Fostering Network which provides foster carers with legal support and protection as well as other training and development opportunities.
Medical and psychological support
We work closely with our Care Experienced Health and Wellbeing Team who offer psychological and medical support to foster carers and children.
Allowances
We provide any furniture that carers need for children's bedrooms and pay a weekly allowance which is based on a child's age so foster carers aren't expected to pay for anything.
| Child's age | Weekly allowance |
|---|---|
| 0 to 4 years | £168.31 |
| 5 to 15 years | £195.81 |
| 16 to 18 years | £268.41 |
| 18 to 21 years | £268.41 (with the deduction of Universal Credit where appropriate) |
| Supported lodgings fee | £167.68 |
| Fostering fee | £167.68 per fostering household |
| Intensive support service fee | £525 |
Additional payments
You'll get:
- mileage 45 pence per mile
- 1 week additional allowance for Christmas
- 1 week additional allowance for birthday
- 2 weeks additional allowance for summer holidays