Becoming a foster carer in the East of England

Our award-winning support will help you make a difference.

The East of England is full of local children and young people looking for foster homes. To help them, join the family of foster carers who, according to Ofsted, create ‘Outstanding outcomes for children’

Statement of purpose Ofsted report

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Let’s talk!

Fostering a child in the East of England is one of the most rewarding decisions you could make, and we want to make your journey towards becoming a foster carer as simple and hassle-free as possible. Our local experts are a phone call away, and ready to answer any and all questions you have about fostering.

Hundreds of children and young people need a safe and nurturing family environment in the East of England. Wherever you’re based and whatever your circumstances, you could make a real difference to a vulnerable young person by choosing to become an NFA foster carer.

Our local experts will guide you step by step through the process, and will be there to provide ongoing training and support at every stage of your fostering journey. To begin, call our regional team in the East of England today on 0800 044 3020, or use the contact form to fill in your details and we’ll call at a time that suits you.

Talk to us today by filling out our contact form. We’ll give you a call, answer any questions you have and go from there.

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Where you’ll find us

Join our award-winning community of hard-working foster carers in the East of England, and you’ll have access to a range of local services and support networks that will help you thrive as a dedicated foster carer.

Whether you’re planning on fostering in Peterborough, Yarmouth, Southend or anywhere else in the East of England, a helping hand is never far away. Our regional offices and training venues are there to make sure you get immediate access to the appropriate training and guidance, while our support group centres offer a safe space for you to meet other foster families and share your experiences.

Natalie, your local foster care training coordinator, travels to areas near you to help you start out and excel in fostering a vulnerable young person. From there, you can access ongoing training and guidance through our regional team, as well as round-the-clock support from your dedicated social worker.

Explore our foster care services in the East of England using the map.

Offices

Training venues

Support group centres

Are you fostering material?

Almost anyone can join our award-winning foster care community and make a difference to a young person in need. We don’t take into account your culture, beliefs, qualifications or financial background – only that you’re able to provide a suitable environment for a vulnerable child.

Have you got what it takes to foster? Take our quiz and find out by answering five simple questions.

Take the quiz

You’re perfect!

You’re not quite ready yet

It sounds like you’ve got the love to give and the time to spare. So we’d love to invite you to start your journey as a foster carer with us.

You need to be able to answer ‘yes’ to all the questions in our quiz to become a foster carer. Get in touch for some friendly advice about making the necessary changes to start your journey with us

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What would you like to know?

We’re always happy to answer any questions you have about fostering with the NFA. If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for here, call your local expert on 0800 044 3020 for more information about fostering in the East of England.

Where do I need to go for training?

We have training venues across the region that are never too far away. We also have plenty of local support groups for you and other carers to meet and share stories at.

Your first foster care training course is called ‘Skills to Foster’ and covers everything you need to know about becoming a foster carer. If you want to specialise in fostering young people with more specific needs, we’ll set up you up with additional training too.

Can I take a foster child on holiday with me?

As long as their social worker gives you the go-ahead, you certainly can. Taking a foster child for a trip away from home can be a big help to make them feel part of your family.

If you plan to go abroad, immigration issues might need to be considered. But otherwise you’re good to go, and we hope you have a great time!

Do foster children have to change schools?

It’s best if your foster child stays in the school they know so they maintain some continuity during this period of change.

Sometimes, a fresh start in a new place is useful. So if they end up staying with you a long time, you can discuss a change of schools with your local authority and the child’s social worker. In any case, it’s up to you to make sure they get to school on time.

How does Reward Club work?

When you sign up like-minded individuals to start new foster families, we give you points to spend on special treats.

It’s up to your foster family to decide what you do with your points. You could go shopping or have a fun day out.

What if I’m already a foster carer?

You can move from another fostering agency to the NFA in no time. It just takes a little bit of work from us, you, and your current agency.

We’ll give you all the advice you need about making the change as easy as possible. Simply call your local expert.

0845 434 5761

What’s it like to be a foster family?

We love hearing about the breakthroughs our foster carers work hard to get. And we hope you do too. Here’s a collection of true fostering stories from real families in the East of England and the rest of the UK.