Step 1:
initial call
Fostering is a big, life-changing decision. It takes courage and a big leap into the unknown. All we can say to help you is that most people who take the step tell us that it’s the best thing they’ve ever done. The rewards of changing a child’s life are huge and far-reaching and will touch your own life in many amazing ways too.
So if fostering is something you’re seriously considering, why not complete our online form or call us on 0800 369 8512. This doesn’t commit you to anything. It just puts you in touch with our team and gives you a chance to find out more in a friendly and informal chat. Then, if you want to take the next step, one of our team will arrange a home visit to start the formal process and get to know more about you. And you about us.
As an agency that’s focussed on continuity, you can be sure we’ll support you at every stage.
Next step:
home visit
Once you’re ready to start, one of our highly trained team will visit you at home (we can also do this online too) to introduce themselves and explain more about fostering and what lies ahead. They’ll also find out a little more about you and answer any questions.
What are the different types of fostering?
We offer many different types of fostering so we can continue to meet the ever-changing needs of children and young people in foster care. These include short-term or interim care (up to 2 years), long-term or permanent care (more than 2 years and until the child turns eighteen), emergency, respite and more.
We also provide foster care placements that are considered specialist, including parent and child fostering and caring for children with disabilities or those seeking asylum. Learn about the different types of fostering below.
How do local authorities place children with families?
When a child comes into foster care, the local authority becomes responsible for their health, safety and wellbeing, and while local authorities have their own 'pool' of foster parents, sadly they generally don't have enough to cope with the rising number of children needing a foster home. That's where specialist independent fostering agencies, like Fosterplus, come in.
We work with local authorities across England and Scotland, and receive hundreds of referrals every day. Our dedicated referrals team review each referral and identify any foster families who could meet the child's needs. If all parties agree - the foster parents, their Fosterplus social worker and regional manager, and the local authority - then we'll work closely with the local authority to make arrangements. Wherever possible, this will also include initial introductions between the child and family.
What support is offered to foster parents?
We build close connections with our foster parents and the young people we care for and are able to provide them with the support and services they need. This includes a dedicated social worker, regular support groups, access to Fosterplus management, a 24/7 helpline with a qualified social worker and more.
What training is provided to foster parents?
We offer a wide range of training to our foster parents for every stage of their career, including our preparatory training course that all fostering applicants attend, a variety of core training courses which you'll complete in your first year, and specialist advance courses too.
How long does it take to become a foster parent?
It takes around 4-6 months to become a foster parent. This can often be shorter if you're already fostering and looking to transfer to a different fostering agency.
Reasons to join Fosterplus...
Why choose us?
Everything we do is geared towards this idea of continuity, and it’s something that our foster parents experience too – with stable teams and consistent support and training.
Find out more
Support for the family
With Fosterplus, you'll be connected to the support you need 24/7/365. This ranges from a dedicated social worker, regular support groups, direct access to Fosterplus management and an out of hours service.
Find out more
Generous allowances
You’ll benefit from an attractive fostering payment for when a child is in your care, together with other benefits and rewards. Find out how much you could receive using our allowance calculator.
Find out morePlease make sure you read our terms and conditions because you're agreeing to them by submitting an enquiry. It's also worth reading our privacy policy and cookies policy so you understand how we collect and use your personal data. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Can't find what you're looking for?
By phone
One of our team is available to talk to you over the phone to answer any of your fostering queries.
Enquire online
You can get in touch by filling out our online enquiry form with any queries that you may have.
Your local team
Find contact details for your local office team. We’re always happy for you to pop-in and chat.