We’re here to support you
Although it’s very rewarding, fostering also brings challenges. You’ll be faced with unexpected situations and behaviours that will test your patience, and you’ll often have to think on your feet and find answers on the spot. But thanks to our training you’ll be well prepared, and as you grow in experience you’ll take most of this in your stride. That’s not the only way we support you however.
We understand how important it is for you to feel there is someone always available to talk to or to offer expert help and guidance. It means you’ll get far more out of being a foster parent – and children will get more out of the experience too. That’s why we’ve put together a package of support that’s always there for you.
We take great pride in our ‘Outstanding’ support and making sure it’s available to you every single day.
Highly qualified local teams
Each of our local offices has its own expert team, including social workers, trainers, administrative support and management, all working hard to create a welcoming and supportive culture. Backed up with a wider expertise across ACS, we’re on hand for every need. You can call us anytime and you are always welcome to pop in to our offices.
Support group meetings
Most foster parents find it’s really helpful to meet up with others – this is especially important when caring for child of different culture or faith. It’s a chance to share experiences, learn from others and build a wider circle of support. We hold regular group ‘get togethers’ and you’re encouraged to attend as many as possible.
Activities and events for everyone
We have a packed calendar of activities that are open to you and your family, giving everyone a chance to get together and take part. These include games, sports and fun days out as well as charity events and activities to celebrate religious and other festivals.
Regular supervision and your own dedicated social worker
Our team are fully trained and qualified social work professionals with a wide range of experience of fostering and all it involves. We’ll allocate one to you and they’ll be with you throughout, visiting you regularly to monitor progress both yours and your foster children. We will provide any extra help you might need. You can also call us at any time of the day or night, every day of the year, so there’s open and regular communication to help you foster successfully.
Paid respite care
Fostering can be tough from time to time, and we all need a break now and again. Every year, we give our foster parents the option of 14 days paid respite care so they can get away for a while. On these days, we find other caring homes to look after your children locally. If you don’t take this, we will provide you with an additional fostering allowance.
Helpline
We’re aware that sometimes you’ll need help outside normal office hours, so we’ve set up a 24/7 helpline. We’re always there, ready to take your call and help.
Financial support
Our payments and allowances help cover the costs of childcare and also reward your hard work.
Online resources
Access to Learnative, our own online learning platform so you can do some training in the comfort of your own home. We’ve had great feedback about our online platform, and if you have a partner that continues to work outside the home, it’s a very beneficial service which means they are not needing to take so much time away from work.
Free membership of FosterTalk
FosterTalk is an independent organisation which represents and supports everyone involved in fostering. When you’re a member you get loads of benefits, including insurance, free advice and helplines as well as special member discounts on goods and services. There’s even a regular magazine to keep you in touch with what’s happening in fostering.
Sabbir’s Story
“My proudest moment was when the child I care for told me, ‘This is my family now and you’re my father.”
Sabbir Ahmed, ACS foster parent
Think you’d make a great foster parent?
Whether you’re ready to start your journey or just want to chat to an expert, we’re here to talk.
Enquiry
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