Charities that support foster children and families
Foster carers and their families may face challenges in their journey. While foster care agencies like Beacon Fostering provide support through professional staff, support groups and activity/event days, one may want to look for advice in alternative sources.
Whether you are a foster carer or a child in care, these are some useful sites and resources to look at.
Barnardo’s
Starting off as a series of homes for abandoned children in the 19th century, Barnardo’s now provides advice and support not just for children, but their parents and carers as well. They have sections on their website discussing mental health, careers, and fostering, as well as information about young refugees seeking asylum.
NSPCC
This charity campaigns against the mistreatment of children, and also provides advice to parents, carers and young people on friendships, family life and mental health. They also have testimonies from children who have received support from charity staff, and provide the service Childline over the phone and online.
Action For Children
Like Barnado’s, Action for Children started off life as a care home charity, the National Children’s Home, for destitute children, before moving into supporting children, young people and their families through challenging times. They also provide advice and information on fostering, careers support, early years parenting and young carers.
TACT Care
This fostering charity has a more recent history, having been established in 1993 by authority service managers in light of the lack of foster homes for children in need. Across Great Britain, it is dedicated to giving children the best start in life, prioritising their welfare and advocating on their behalf.