Fostering

Many children in the Borough need foster carers now.

We recognise that we need carers as diverse as the children they care for.  Age, income, gender, sexuality, culture, marital status do not affect a person's ability to be a good carer.  Its personal qualities that matter.


There are many different types of fostering and you would only be asked to give what you feel is right for you. 

• Short-term - Providing a family home for a child for a short time – anything from 1 night to 2 years.
• Long-term - Committing to a specific child (usually an older child) for the foreseeable future – probably until they reach 16 or 18.
• Relief - Providing care for a child for a short period of time (possibly just overnight, for a weekend or a week) while the parents or usual foster carer is on holiday or needs a break.
• Supported Lodgings - Providing room in your home for a young person.  Supporting and befriending them as they move towards independence.

As a foster carer you can expect:

• An allowance to cover the cost of caring for a child in your home.  The amount will depend on the age and needs of the child
  
• Support from a named social worker from the Fostering Team.
  
• Access to 24 hour support from social work staff
  
• Monthly foster carer support groups
  
• Monthly Newsletter
  
• Access to Borough funded training
  

If you think you might benefit from any service provided by Social Services and you would like us to contact you by phone or email, please click the following link and complete the Social Services Contact Us/Self Referral Online Form and someone will be in touch with you as soon as possible.

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