Support for Foster Parents

Choosing a fostering agency can feel like a daunting task. With so many across the UK, each offering different values, services, and types of foster care support, it’s easy to feel unsure about where to begin. Reputation, training, support for foster parents, and how well an agency matches carers with children are all important things to consider.

At Family Fostering Partners, we understand how significant these decisions are. As one of the leading independent fostering agencies in Wales, we’re here to guide you through the process, offering clarity, reassurance, and the right kind of support to help you make a choice that feels right for you and your family.

But the support doesn’t stop once you’ve made your decision.

 

Apply now

 

Unparalleled Support from Family Fostering Partners

We do our utmost to make sure our foster carers are properly supervised and supported throughout their time with us. From the moment you begin your application, you’ll be guided every step of the way, not just with expert advice and tailored training, but with genuine emotional support from a team who cares.

Fostering is one of the most rewarding things you can choose to do, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Especially during your first placement, you may need extra reassurance or guidance. That’s why we make sure support for foster parents is always available, day or night, from people who understand exactly what you’re going through.

You’re never alone. When you foster with us, you become part of the Family Fostering Partners team. That includes experienced link workers, dedicated support staff, and a community of carers who are all committed to helping each other provide the best possible care for children.

We’re here for the highs, the hard moments, and everything in between, because the best foster care support doesn’t end with the training. It grows with you.

 

Why Choose Family Fostering Partners? 

One of the most important things to look for in a fostering agency is the level of ongoing help and guidance you’ll receive. Foster care support isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s about having the right people by your side, whenever you need them. At Family Fostering Partners, we believe in being that constant source of encouragement, advice, and reassurance throughout your entire fostering journey.

• We’re a family-focused fostering agency that puts relationships at the heart of everything we do.
• Support for foster parents isn’t just a box we tick—it’s something we take pride in, offering regular visits, 24/7 guidance, and a team that truly listens.
• Our training goes beyond the basics, helping you feel prepared, confident, and well-equipped for every step of the journey.
• We take time to get to know you and your household, which means thoughtful matches that give placements the best chance to thrive.
• From the moment you enquire, you’re never just a number, you’re part of a team working together to change children’s lives.

 

 

Our Dedicated Foster Care Support

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. 

 

Foster Care Support Groups

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 loving homes, we provide ongoing, tailored foster care support for our foster carers throughout their journey. From 24/7 access to our experienced team to a comprehensive training program, we ensure our carers have everything they need to thrive.

Our fostering agency offers a wide range of services, including regular supervision, peer support groups, and free membership to FosterTalk, where carers can access expert advice and enjoy discounts on a variety of services. Additionally, we offer competitive fostering allowances, ensuring that foster families are supported both emotionally and practically every step of the way.

 

Foster Parent Training

There is a common misconception when it comes to learning how to become a foster parent, that you need prior qualifications or an established skill set. At Family Fostering Partners, 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. This is just the beginning, as we offer continuous foster care support and training throughout your fostering journey, ensuring you’re always equipped to provide the best care.

We also offer additional training through our Core Training Programme, which includes six individual modules. This comprehensive programme is designed to give foster carers an in-depth understanding of therapeutic care and the unique challenges of fostering, ensuring the right support for foster parents is provided.

 

Independent Foster Care Support

As well as all of the support for foster parents that we provide, there are independent bodies that are dedicated to providing invaluable support. For all carers, looked after children and social workers. 

If you wish to access independent support, you can contact:

The Fostering Network - the UK’s leading fostering charity. 

24-hour legal helpline: 01384 885734
Stress counselling helpline: 01384 885734

 

Fosterline - a free helpline and website offering advice, information and support on all issues related to fostering. 

Call: 0800 040 7675

 

Foster Talk - an independent, non-profit organisation providing professional support services to foster carers across the UK. 

Call: 01527 836 910

 

Pay Support for Foster Parents

At Family Fostering Partners, we know that fostering is not just a rewarding experience, it’s a significant financial responsibility. That’s why we offer competitive foster care support through generous fostering payments that ensure you’re financially supported while providing the best care for children in need.

Our support for foster parents includes a weekly fostering allowance to cover essential costs such as food, clothing, transportation, and schooling. We also provide additional allowances for special events like birthdays and holidays, making sure every child in your care has the opportunity to enjoy those special moments. For those fostering children with additional needs, extra support is available.

To further ease the transition, our Be There to Care scheme offers financial support for up to 10 weeks prior to your first placement, allowing you to focus on preparing your home and settling into your new role without worrying about your finances.

With this comprehensive financial backing, you can concentrate on creating a loving, supportive environment for children, while knowing that we are here to provide the foster care support you need to succeed.

 

What are the Next Steps? 

Time to look into how to become a foster parent, the first step is finding an agency that offers the right support and resources for you. At Family Fostering Partners, we make the process straightforward and welcoming, ensuring you're given the guidance you need from the very start. You don’t need prior qualifications, just a passion for making a positive impact on children’s lives. Our mandatory 'Skills to Foster' training, along with continuous development throughout your fostering journey, will ensure you're equipped to provide the best care possible. We’re here to support you every step of the way, making sure you feel prepared and confident.

If you're already fostering but feel that your current agency isn’t meeting your needs, transferring to Family Fostering Partners could be the change you’re looking for. We understand how important it is to be with an agency that fully provides support for foster parents, and we make the transition as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our dedicated team will listen to your concerns and ensure you can continue providing the care that makes a difference in children’s lives. The process of transferring usually takes about three months, and we do our best to make the assessment process as simple and unobtrusive as possible. With Family Fostering Partners, you’ll receive the personal attention and support you deserve, ensuring the best match for both you and the children in your care.

Ready to embark on a transformative journey? Becoming a foster parent offers a unique opportunity to learn, grow, and profoundly impact a child's life. If you're ready to take the first step, simply fill out the contact form below.

 

 

Anything Unanswered? FAQs

What support do you get as a foster parent?

We provide comprehensive support for foster parents every step of the way. This includes 24/7 access to our experienced team, regular supervision, and ongoing training to help you provide the best care. We also offer peer support groups, free membership to FosterTalk for expert advice and discounts, and competitive fostering allowances to support your family's needs. Our Be There to Care scheme provides financial support in the initial stages, ensuring you're fully prepared for placements. Above all, we are here to guide and support you, ensuring you have the tools, resources, and encouragement needed to make a real difference in a child's life.

 

What expenses can I claim as a foster carer?

As a foster carer, there are a range of expenses you might be able to claim to help cover the costs of fostering. Your fostering allowances will cover day-to-day living costs for the child in your care, such as food, clothing, and personal items, in addition to a professional fee.

You may also be able to claim travel expenses for journeys related to your foster child, such as medical appointments, school runs, and visits to family or friends. If the child has specific needs, you could claim for specialist equipment or items, like disability aids, larger clothing, or other specialised care equipment.

In some cases, you might be reimbursed for training costs if you attend courses that support your role as a foster carer.

Finally, if there are any emergency costs, such as urgent clothing or bedding needed when a child is placed with you on short notice, your agency may assist with these unexpected expenses.

The exact expenses you can claim may vary depending on your fostering agency or local authority. It’s always a good idea to check with them to get a clear understanding of the specific support available to you.

 

What benefits can I claim if I'm a foster carer? 

As a foster carer, you might be eligible for various benefits. These can include foster care allowance to cover the child’s living expenses, and Tax Credits or Universal Credit if fostering is your main source of income. If the child has additional needs, you may also qualify for disability benefits or carer’s allowance.

In some cases, you could claim Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support to help with housing costs and bills. Additionally, Child Benefit may be available depending on your income and other factors.

Eligibility for these benefits varies, so it’s important to check with your local authority or fostering agency for the most accurate information.

 

Can foster carers get a blue light card?

Yes, foster carers can get a Blue Light Card, which provides discounts across various retailers. To obtain one, you'll need to register on the Blue Light Card website and provide proof of your role, such as a work ID card or payslip. Many fostering agencies support this initiative, and some may even fund the card for foster households. Always check with your agency for specific details on eligibility and registration.