Support Networks for Foster Carers

Numerous foster carers have access to their own support systems, which are composed of friends, family, and contacts in the local community. When it comes to providing foster parents and children with emotional and practical assistance, these personal networks can be extremely helpful.

This guideline highlights several important factors that foster carers and fostering agencies such as ourselves should take into account whilst utilising support systems.

Things to consider:

We offer a range of support services, including formal supervision, peer support, after-hours help (24 hour support), respite care services, and independent support are available to Beacon Fostering’s carers.

The social worker doing the foster care assessment will typically take into account the foster carer’s own support system, which is quite important.

The legal foundation for parental responsibility and the child’s care plan must be taken into consideration when deciding who has the authority to make decisions. Our Foster carers are actively involved in the placement plan, which should outline who has the power to make specific decisions regarding a child. The UK government has made it plain that foster parents should have daily decision-making authority over their foster children, unless there is a good reason why they shouldn’t. Foster carers ought to be capable of doing this with assurance and competence.

Who may be involved?

Any informal caregiving for foster children may be performed by friends, family, or other people designated by the approved foster carer. Every agreement ought to be documented in the placement plan which will be made alongside your social worker

For instance, babysitting while a foster carer has other social or personal obligations, drops the child off at school or picks them up, or provides care that may involve spending the night with friends or relatives the child knows.

Unless alternate arrangements have been agreed upon with a fostering agency such as ourselves or within the placement plan, it is crucial that a foster carer be reachable and ready right away to begin the child’s care.

A child’s routine may become more stable and consistent if they are cared for at the foster carer’s house, which also provides them with familiar surroundings.

Respite and care planning

In order to support themselves in their duty, foster carers may require regular breaks; in fact, these breaks are frequently what keep placements stable during particularly taxing times. Foster families that look after children with a variety of needs may find that respite breaks are beneficial. They are able to spend time with their birth family and rejuvenate themselves at the same time.

As part of the planning process, it is crucial to discuss both formal and informal arrangements so that everyone is aware of their roles and responsibilities. This will help to ensure that the foster carer’s support requirements are met as well as the needs of the child.

Learn more about Beacon Fostering’s Support and Training 

Are you interested in fostering? Click here to register your interest in fostering with Beacon Fostering!