Why Choose Us?

Working out how to choose a fostering agency can seem like a very daunting process. With hundreds across the UK, all with their own values, services, and support systems, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. It's important to consider factors such as the agency's reputation, the level of training and support they offer, and their approach to matching foster carers with children in need.

At Family Fostering Partners, as one of the leading independent fostering agencies in Wales we understand the importance of these decisions and are here to guide you through the process, helping you make an informed choice about the right agency for you and your family.

 

How to Choose a Fostering Agency

So you’ve decided you want to begin your fostering journey, but you’re not quite sure where to start. Knowing how to choose a fostering agency is the first step, and it can feel overwhelming with so many options available. Choosing the right agency is essential for your success as a foster carer, as it will provide the support, guidance, and resources you need.

• Reputation and Experience: Look for an agency with a solid reputation and a proven track record in fostering. Independent fostering agencies often offer more tailored support and a hands-on approach compared to larger, national agencies, which can be beneficial in the long run.
• Support Systems: It’s crucial to find an agency that offers comprehensive support for both you and the children in your care. This could include 24/7 assistance, regular check-ins, and access to a network of professionals to help with any challenges you face.
• Training and Development: the foster family agency you choose should provide ongoing training and development. This might look like initial training, regular workshops, and specialised courses on topics like trauma-informed care or supporting children with special needs. Ongoing training ensures you’re equipped with the latest skills and knowledge to handle the challenges of fostering.
• Matching Process: A key part of fostering is finding the right match between foster carer and child. Look for an agency that takes the time to understand your strengths and preferences to ensure a good fit with the children they place with you.
• Values and Approach: The agency’s values should align with your own. If you’re looking to foster children from specific backgrounds or with particular needs, make sure the agency has experience and resources to handle these cases.

 

Why Go for an Independent Fostering Agency?

Is it better to foster through independent fostering agencies or local authority? While both options have their merits, many foster carers find that independent fostering agencies offer distinct advantages in terms of support, flexibility, and personalised care. 

Independent fostering agencies actually work closely with local authorities to find safe and loving homes for children and young people, often stepping in when such bodies face challenges such as a shortage of foster carers or the need for specialised care for children with complex needs. These agencies were created to ease the pressure on local authorities, ensuring more children are placed in the right environments.

One of the key benefits of choosing independent fostering agencies is the additional time and resources they can dedicate to their foster carers. Agencies just like Family Fostering Partners often offer competitive fostering allowances, exceptional support, and comprehensive training to ensure foster carers feel prepared and supported every step of the way. With a more family-focused approach, independent fostering agencies tend to provide a more personalised experience for both carers and children.

 

Why Choose Us as Your Fostering Agency?

By understanding how to choose a fostering agency, you will know it is crucial to pick one that truly supports both you and the children in your care. Family Fostering Partners stands out from the crowd because we combine a friendly, family-focused approach with utter professionalism. Our focus is on the well-being of our foster parents and the children we place, creating a supportive environment that always ends in success.

 

About Family Fostering Partners

As one of the leading independent fostering agencies in Wales, we are a family-run organisation with a proven track record of exceptional outcomes. Our approach is built on trust, teamwork, and communication, ensuring that our carers feel truly valued. We dedicate time to understanding the individual needs of our foster carers, which in turn helps us create the best possible environment for the children we care for.

At Family Fostering Partners, we prioritise the importance of well-matched placements. We understand that a successful match between a foster child and parent is crucial to the success of the placement. That’s why we invest time in getting to know our foster parents on a personal level, ensuring each child is placed with an individual/family best suited to their needs. 

We also understand that fostering requires more than just good intentions - it requires the right training and support. That’s why we provide comprehensive training for all our carers, including specialised workshops that cover a wide range of topics to help you feel fully prepared for the challenges of fostering. 

 

Support Offered

At Family Fostering Partners, we believe that fostering should come with the support and resources needed to succeed. As an independent fostering agency, we go beyond just placing children in homes - we provide ongoing, tailored support for our foster carers throughout their journey. From 24/7 access to our experienced team to a comprehensive training program, we ensure that our carers have everything they need to thrive.

Our foster family agency offers a wide range of services, including regular supervision, peer support groups, and free membership to FosterTalk, providing further expert advice and discounts. We also offer competitive fostering allowances and recognise the importance of providing emotional and practical support to foster families.

 

Training Offered

There is a common misconception when it comes to learning how to become a foster parent - that you need prior qualifications and well established skill sets. We don’t require any specific qualifications to apply—just a passion for making a difference and improving outcomes for vulnerable children and young people.

As part of the application process, you’ll be invited to attend a mandatory 3-day 'Skills to Foster' training course for all applicants, with ongoing training and support provided throughout your fostering journey to ensure you’re always equipped to give the best care.

We also offer additional training through our Core Training Programme, which includes 6 individual modules. This comprehensive programme is designed to provide carers with in-depth knowledge of therapeutic care and the specific challenges related to fostering.

 

Transferring to a Foster Family Agency

The right foster family agency makes all the difference. If you’re currently in a position that isn’t working for you, for whatever reason, we understand how important it is to make a change. At Family Fostering Partners, we make the transition as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our dedicated team will work closely with you to ensure your needs are understood and addressed, so you can continue providing the care that makes a difference in a child’s life.

Family Fostering Partners has been a leading provider on the Wales Fostering Framework since our inception, giving us an edge over larger agencies in securing placements. Our smaller size means we can give you and your family the attention you deserve, prioritising the perfect match for your placement without the pressure of managing a large number of carers.

The process of transferring to Family Fostering Partners will usually take about three months and we do our best to make the assessment process as unobtrusive as possible. Find more information about transferring to our foster family agency. 

 

 

Ready to Choose Us as Your Fostering Agency?

Our friendly team is always on hand to answer your questions and make you feel comfortable in your decision to foster with our foster family agency. Once you’ve initiated contact, we can take the pressure out of things by guiding you through the process. We will be with you every step of the way!

Take the first steps towards your new career in fostering and contact us today by filling out the contact form.