Find out if you could be a foster carer
In a few simple questions, you’ll know if you’re suitable to apply to become a foster carer.
You’ll be part of an expert team of professionals who work together to improve the quality of life of foster children. And, with peer groups and social workers on call, you’ll always have someone supporting you.
When you foster with us, we’re with you all the way at National Fostering Group. As one of our carers, you’ll be supported round-the-clock by local, professionally qualified teams. Additionally, you’ll become a member of an extended family of foster carers in your area. You’ll also have the opportunity to be mentored, make new friends at local events, and forge supportive relationships with others who understand what it’s like to be a foster carer.
My husband and I have been fostering with Heath Farm, part of National Fostering Group, for 10 years. Their level of support and advice is second to none, the training they provide is amazing.
We have been through some tricky times but they were always there for us,. Can't praise them enough.
We think it’s important that we support those who offer so much of their time and attention to improving the lives of foster children. That’s why we provide our foster carers with numerous benefits and support. Here’s how we support our foster carers:
Finances are an essential part of fostering support that we offer. Our fostering allowance helps you feel financially secure and relieves any worries you may have surrounding the issue. Before you receive your allowance, we’ve already considered several factors, including the type of fostering, your circumstances and the child’s needs. We do this because we want to give the correct financial support that benefits you the most. This means you can now dedicate your time and resources to supporting those in your care.
You can find more information about the financial support we offer on our foster care pay and allowances page. You’ll find information on our minimum weekly payments and how our fostering allowance works. We also tell you why you probably won’t pay tax on your allowance, and how it won’t affect any benefits you may receive.
From the beginning, you’ll be allocated your own Assessing Social Worker. This person will be with you throughout your assessment and is trained to understand your situation and needs. When you’re accepted, you’ll be allocated a Supervising Social Worker, who will also provide guidance. There are other reasons why we provide you with a Supervising Social Worker:
At National Fostering Group, we encourage a culture of lifelong learning. As our foster carers share our commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable children and young people, additional support through training is invaluable. Here’s an overview of the training we provide our foster carers:
We offer support through flexible and accessible training. You can choose to do online training from the comfort of your own home, or attend in-person training at a local venue.
Offering personalised access to a wide range of training courses, our Shine training platform includes mandatory and optional modules. These include modules on Skills to Foster and specialist topics like Bridge to Foster. In fact, we’re launching new courses all the time – there really is something for everyone.
I have received a lot of support from Fostering Solutions (a National Fostering Group agency) since my approval as a foster carer.
I have a monthly supervision session with my supervising social worker as standard, but I also know that I can contact him, or the agency, whenever I need help, advice or support.
There are support groups and events that I can attend with fellow foster carers and many training sessions.
Our Carer Recruitment Officers build relationships with prospective foster carers and support them by running support groups. They also organise fun events for the entire fostering household so our carers can bond with their foster children without having to make plans.
Regional Managers bring together the community of carers while advocating for the children and young people in our care. They also safeguard foster children and young people, and support our Supervising Social Workers too.
You will be supported by all of our carers through our fostering buddy system, support groups, online groups, and so much more. We encourage our foster carers to build strong relationships with each other, as we know what this vocation is like, and with their knowledge and support, fostering is made easier.
National Fostering Group is a fantastic agency to be part of. The staff are all very friendly and we have a brilliant social worker… she will always listen and gives sound advice on how we can move forward.
One-to-one support for our foster carers starts from the moment you get in touch with your local National Fostering Group agency. A foster care professional is on hand to give you all the information you need to make a decision. If you decide to apply to become a foster carer, you’ll be allocated a social worker to guide you. Want to know more? Get in touch today.
