Fostering after retiring from the police

A new beginning  

 Did you know that over the last 5 years there has been a 10% increase in the number of children coming into care in the UK? Family Fostering Partners are working hard to provide safe and stable homes for children of all ages. Could you join us and use your skills and experience to care for a vulnerable child or young person?

At FFP you are a foster parent, not a foster carer. This important distinction is at the heart of our values because all children deserve to feel part of a family.

Why you would be ideal?

As a Police Officer you already possess a multitude of skills needed to provide care for a vulnerable child, but you are definitely never too old to learn new tricks! At FFP we will train and support you to build on your knowledge to provide the very best care.

Role Models can change lives

You have spent a career caring for people, making a difference, and standing up for those who do not have a voice. Retiring does not mean this has to stop!

By fostering a vulnerable young person, you could make a difference in their lives, helping them to fulfil their dreams and to be just like any other child.

Sadly, you will be aware how easy it is for young people who lack positive role models to become a statistic, with children in care 10 times more likely to be criminalised than other children (Howard League, 2019). You can help us change this simply by providing a safe and nurturing home, and by being the person they can aspire to become.

What are the benefits?

We don’t need to tell you that the rewards of a policing career are often difficult to put into words, but there is a real satisfaction from making someone’s day, their week, or even their life, better. The rewards of fostering can be similar. Being there for a vulnerable child when they are scared and traumatised, and offering them compassion and kindness is priceless. Imagine being the person who changes the world for just one child.

Like policing, fostering is a professional role that provides financial benefits.

When a child is matched to your home you will receive a regular weekly allowance designed to cover the costs of looking after the child, but which also includes a professional fee for your time and effort.

As a foster parent, you will receive tax exemptions, and FFP will help you with any questions you have about taxes or payments.

How we support you.

When you foster for us, you are assigned a Link Worker, who (as the job title suggests), becomes your link to Family Fostering Partners, to the child’s Local Authority Social worker and to any other professionals. They provide you with one-to-one supervision helping you every step of the way as you begin your fostering career. You will receive 24-hour support, guidance and lots and lots of training to make your foster home the very best it can be. You will join our FFP family so that we get to know you and understand which children will do best in your care.

Your next step

So, if you have a spare room, and the love and time to give to a vulnerable young person we would LOVE to hear from you. Even if you are hesitant, or in the early stages of thinking about fostering just call us on 03300 948816 or email info@familyfosteringpartners.co.uk