
The fostering process
If you’re curious about providing foster care in Cheshire to a child or younger person, it’s understood you’ll want an overview of what’s involved. Here, we look at the multiple …
If you’re curious about providing foster care in Cheshire to a child or younger person, it’s understood you’ll want an overview of what’s involved. Here, we look at the multiple …
All children deserve to have a childhood filled with the best experiences - especially if they have had a difficult start in life. Those providing foster care in Preston or …
A frequently asked question in fostering is whether or not foster carers have to pay certain taxes. Within this blog, we will be concentrating on council tax payments as a …
Earlier this month marked National Storytelling Week, which was run by the National Literacy Trust in partnership with Amazon. First starting in 2000, it seeks to promote the act of …
February is LGBTQ+ History Month, an annual observance that celebrates the rich history and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community. Within this blog we will be discussing the contribution that the …
The 14th of February is Valentine’s Day - and while this has traditionally been about romance and couples, it has expanded in recent years to include platonic friendships and familial …
Children and young people that enter foster care often come from homes and families of origin that were/are unstable and chaotic. It is the role of foster carers to ensure …
Children who enter foster care often experience hardship and challenges before, during and after they leave the care system. Some of these young people become parents themselves, often in their …
While foster parents have responsibility for taking care of children whose families of origin are unable to look after them, there is a distinction between fostering and parenting. This is …
Today is Time to Talk Day, which is run by the mental health charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness. It seeks to encourage people to talk about their mental health …
Fostering is open to people of all backgrounds, family structures and walks of life if they have a spare room and are willing to give children in need a safe, …
A child who is in long term foster care, and is preparing to leave, may want to access their records of their time in fostering. Here are some things to …
A summary When a child or young person's needs or reasons for entering foster care are determined or communicated to professionals, the fostering journey begins. Local authorities are in charge …
Children’s rights being acknowledged and adhered to are important to all children, especially to those who are living in foster care. Here’s what to know from Beacon Fostering regarding the …
You are considered self-employed when you foster and need to register with HMRC. For the children and youth placed with you, you will receive fostering payments, which are exempt from …
Although children’s rights as we know them have only been around for about seven decades, people have been creating laws, organisations and proposals protecting the interests of children and young …
Can I switch foster agencies? Yes, you can move from your local authority to Beacon Fostering or another fostering organisation. Overall, this is not as tough or complex as you …
If you are fostering children and young people on a long-term basis, or are considering long-term fostering, you might be wondering what help and support they receive when they are …
Within this blog we will highlight the differences between fostering agencies and local authorities... Local Authorities All children in the care system, sometimes referred to as looked-after children, are legally …
If you are a foster parent to a young child, they might be wondering about their new living situation. As a child in foster care, they might not be sure …
Beacon Fostering are hosting a coffee & fostering information session in Wythenshawe on Thursday 30th January 2025 If you are interested in fostering and would like free drink and a …
The number of Black fostering families is disproportionate to the number of Black children in foster care. This often results in these children living with foster families that do not …
Seventy-five percent of the 100,437 children in care in the UK today reside with foster families. Due to the inability to find a foster family in the area, these children—an …
We place a high priority on the training and personal growth of every Beacon Fostering caregiver. An annual training plan that builds on your experience and knowledge and takes into …
Care leavers face many challenges and questions to consider when they become old enough to leave foster care. While there have been improvements in providing support until their early to …
At Beacon Fostering, we have a real family ethos as we strive for our foster carers to feel as though they are part of the Beacon Fostering family. Therefore, we …
To protect children and young people in foster care, potential foster parents must be rigorously checked. While most people looking to provide foster care pass with flying colours, there are …
When your foster child reaches their later teenage years, you will probably be wondering what happens to the support they’ll receive when they finish their schooling and prepare to enter …
Beacon Fostering are hosting a coffee and fostering information session in Liverpool on Tuesday 23rd January. If you are interested in fostering and fancy a free drink and a chat, …
The 2024 Honours List recognises the achievements that people have made in the public sphere. While figures from entertainment and politics are often the focus of recipients of awards such …
The process in which a vulnerable child enters foster care involves various components and different groups of people - from the social services to the courts and local authority. If …
Many children who enter foster care come from backgrounds and upbringings where their parents and other adults failed to meet their needs adequately. Some of them who have siblings may …
The new year is a time for fresh starts and new beginnings - and with these come new year’s resolutions. These are largely defined as things to do and improve …
Short break fostering, also known as respite fostering, is a type of foster care where a carer looks after a child for between a few hours to a few days. …
With 866 homes and 152 children aged between 0-18 years in foster care, the North West is a hub seeking families who can look after those in need. Since 2020, …
Blocked fostering refers to a carer becoming disengaged with looking after their children - due to stress or exhaustion, for example. While fostering children and young people can be rewarding, …
Children who enter foster care come from various cultures and religions. Although fostering agencies will seek to match children with carers and families of a similar or shared background, this …
Wishing you all a very Happy New Year from all of us at Beacon Fostering! Throughout 2025, Beacon Fostering remains intent on improving the national shortage of foster carers as …
County lines refers to the act of criminals exploiting young people into carrying out illegal activity. It happens up and down the country and mostly affects children aged between 14-17, …
If you are considering fostering, you might be curious about the involvement of friends and family within the household. Can they participate and assist with the children? What form does …
The first night that a foster child spends in their new home is often the most difficult - not just for them, but for their carers as well (especially first-time …
Participation in support groups is a crucial aspect of the development of all Foster Carers. You have the flexibility to join any group of your choice, including multiple groups. These …
After the festivities and fun of Christmas comes the inevitable wind down in the new year. Decorations start to come down, and families prepare to return to regular routines they …
Merry Christmas from all the team at Beacon Fostering! Christmas is a great time to not only consider fostering but also to discuss and recommend fostering to family and friends. …
If you are considering fostering or thinking of transferring agencies, you might be wondering which fostering agency to choose, and which will be the most beneficial to your fostering needs. …
For many children, Christmas represents a thrilling season characterised by gifts, festive decorations, and cherished moments with family. However, this experience can be markedly different for children in foster care. …
Moving into a new home and a new setting can be a challenging time for children in foster care, whether it is their first foster home or not. Making sure …
The personal development and training of each Beacon Fostering carer is a key priority for our organisation. We will collaborate with you to establish an annual training plan that enhances …
Whether or not you are a follower of religion as well as a foster carer, you might find that you are fostering a child who comes from a religious background. …
During the fostering application process, potential foster carers are required to have a meeting with a 'fostering panel.' This may either be virtually on a Zoom meeting or an in-person …