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Why Matching Matters in Fostering: Culture, Stability and Belonging
News and Blogs
In the latest episode of Let’s Talk About Fostering, referrals officer for ACS Nikita
talks us through how the matching process works, its role in providing children with stable homes, and why faith, culture, belonging, and identity should never be overlooked.
Supporting asylum-seeking children to feel safe and understood
News and Blogs
Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children face unique challenges when arriving in the UK. From past trauma to adjusting to a new life, foster carers play a vital role in helping them feel safe, understood, and supported as they begin to rebuild their sense of belonging.
Celebrating Foster Care Fortnight
News and Blogs
Today marks the start of Foster Care Fortnight, the UK’s biggest campaign celebrating fostering. This year’s theme, “This is Fostering,” highlights the dedication of foster parents and the life-changing impact they have on children and young people. At ACS, we get to know every fostering family and provide personalised support through our dedicated team and strong fostering community.
Supporting your mental health as a foster family
News and Blogs
Fostering can be rewarding, but it also comes with emotional challenges for the whole family. In this blog, we explore why mental health matters for foster parents, children, and birth children, and share practical ways to support wellbeing—along with the dedicated support available at ACS.
Training for Foster Parents: What to Expect at ACS
News and Blogs
At ACS, you don’t need previous experience to become a foster parent. Our ongoing, trauma-informed training programme equips you with the skills and confidence to support children who’ve had difficult starts in life—providing tailored guidance from your first enquiry and throughout your entire fostering journey.
How ACS Supports Foster Families
News and Blogs
Fostering comes with challenges—but at ACS, you’re never alone. In this blog, we explore the Outstanding support we provide to foster families, from dedicated local teams and specialist training to careful matching and financial allowances, ensuring you feel confident, supported, and ready to help children thrive.
Faith-based vs mainstream fostering: what’s the difference?
News and Blogs
If you’re exploring fostering, understanding the difference between faith-based and mainstream agencies is key. In this blog, we highlight the unique benefits of faith-based fostering, from community connections to culture-specific support, and explain why choosing ACS can provide children with the connection they need to thrive.
Navigating the Journey to Becoming a Foster Parent in 2026
News and Blogs
As a new year begins, many of us look for ways to make a real difference—and fostering could be yours. In this blog, we explore why 2026 is the perfect time to become a foster parent, what the journey involves, and how to take the first step toward changing a child’s life.
Let’s Talk About Fostering: Our Brand-New Podcast
News and Blogs
Discover Let’s Talk About Fostering, the new podcast from Polaris. Hear real stories, practical tips, and honest conversations from foster parents, care-experienced staff, and those who grew up in fostering households.
Unique Challenges of Sanctuary-Seeking Children in Foster Care
News and Blogs
Sanctuary-seeking children arrive in the UK with courage—but also grief, trauma, and uncertainty. In this blog, we explore the challenges faced by unaccompanied asylum-seeking children in care and how foster parents can support them with empathy, understanding, and a safe space to rebuild their lives.
Rediscovering Faith: Supporting a Foster Child Through Religious Trauma
News and Blogs
For some children in care, faith is a source of strength. For others, it may be linked to trauma. In this blog, we explore what religious trauma is, how it can affect foster children, and how foster parents can offer compassionate, non-judgmental support as children rebuild their identity and rediscover their faith.
Celebrating Bandi Chhor Divas With Foster Children
News and Blogs
We strongly believe it’s crucial for children in care to feel close to their religion and culture. From our experience, the best outcomes happen when a child lives with a family that knows, understands, and respects their religious and cultural needs. Celebrating Bandi Chhor Divas with Sikh children in your care can be a way to do that; however, there are a few things to consider.
Alternatives to Halloween: Inclusive Celebrations for Foster Children of All Faiths
News and Blogs
Halloween can be challenging for foster children of faith. In this blog, we explore alternative ways to celebrate that are inclusive and fun, ensuring your child feels connected, safe, and respected while still enjoying the season, without the need for costumes, pumpkins, or spooky rituals.
Understanding Trauma and Neurodiversity in Foster Care
News and Blogs
Around 15–20% of UK children are neurodivergent, and many in care also live with trauma. In this blog, we explore how trauma interacts with conditions like autism, ADHD, and FASD, and how ACS supports foster families to meet each child’s unique needs with compassion, understanding, and the right tools.
Helping Foster Children Explore Their Faith Through Reading
News and Blogs
Faith can offer comfort, connection, or confusion for children in care. In this blog, we explore how reading together can help foster children gently explore their beliefs, ask questions, and understand what faith means to them—all within a safe, open environment led by curiosity, care, and mutual respect.
Fostering as a Career: How to Thrive as a Professional Foster Carer
News and Blogs
Fostering is more than just a calling—it can also be a rewarding, full-time career. In this blog, we explore what it means to be a professional foster carer, the benefits of making fostering your job, and practical tips to help you thrive in one of the UK’s most purposeful roles.
Our self-care guide for foster families
News and Blogs
Self-care is important for everyone, no matter your lifestyle, age or background. This Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re sharing our top self-care tips for foster parents and their families.
Understanding the Fostering Process: From Enquiry to Matching
News and Blogs
Whether you’ve decided to foster or are still on the fence, understanding the fostering application process will ensure you know what to expect when you apply. Join us as we explore the steps to becoming a foster parent, from your initial enquiry right through to welcoming your first child.
See our Extraordinary Foster Parents featured on BBC One’s ‘Extraordinary Portraits’ with Bill Bailey
Foster Parent Stories
We are extremely proud of Active Care Solutions’ foster parents Marva and Lionel, who were recently featured in Series 4 of BBC One’s ‘Extraordinary Portraits,’ hosted by comedian, musician and art lover Bill Bailey.
Fostering Children from Different Faiths
News and Blogs
As we move further into the New Year, let’s explore some ways in which you can help support your foster child’s spiritual needs.
Being sensitive to your foster child’s needs during special occasions
News and Blogs
Let’s look at how your foster child might react to special occasions and explore ways you can support them to create a positive and enjoyable experience.
How to celebrate diversity in an interfaith household
News and Blogs
Here at ACS we specialise in matching children with families who can best fulfil their cultural and religious needs. We champion diversity and building strong relationships between people of different faiths.
Managing Your Money as a Foster Parent
News and Blogs
Whether you’re thinking about fostering or are already a foster parent, managing your finances well can make a big difference. Check out our top money-saving tips for foster parents.
Guiding Your Foster Child on Their Faith Journey
News and Blogs
Children often inherit their religion from their parents, who model and teach them the beliefs and practices of their faith. However, faith is a profoundly personal journey, and when children move into foster care, they may have complex feelings about their faith due to their circumstances and past experiences. Read on to discover how, as a foster parent, you can help the child in your care navigate their feelings about their faith and guide them on their spiritual journey.
ACS are rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted for a Second Time
News and Blogs
We received an ‘Outstanding’ rating from Ofsted in all three categories, with no recommendations. Keep reading to discover the highlights of the report and how we achieved this remarkable milestone for the second time.
The Incredible Impact of Foster Parents of Faith
News and Blogs
Foster parents of faith— why does it matter?
What to do if Your Foster Child is Being Bullied at School
News and Blogs
Our guide is designed to help you identify the signs of bullying and provide you with information on where and how to seek support for your foster child.
Introducing Filby the Fire Dragon
News and Blogs
We’ve been busy working with award winning author, N.C.Emmett, who has very kindly gifted us an exclusive new book, dedicated to our foster families as part of Foster Care Fortnight™️.
How Cooking Brings Families Together During Passover
News and Blogs
Discover the magic of Passover as it unites foster families in a joyous celebration. Explore how cooking traditional Passover meals fosters connection, bonding, and a sense of belonging. Join us in honouring traditions, creating cherished memories, and building strong family ties during this special time.
Fasting during Ramadan with foster children
News and Blogs
Here is some helpful information and guidance on how Muslim foster parents can make Ramadan a memorable and meaningful month for their family and foster child.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Transferring Agencies
News and Blogs
Explore our comprehensive guide on transferring fostering agencies. Gain insights and step-by-step tips to ensure a smooth transition for you and the children in your care. Make informed decisions for a positive fostering experience.
Tips for celebrating Christmas with your first foster child
News and Blogs
Christmas can be a magical time of year, but for a lot of children in care, the festive season can be an emotional one. Here are some ways to make your first foster child feel special during the holidays.
Celebrating Hanukkah with a Foster Child
News and Blogs
The word Hanukkah (Chanukah) means ‘Dedication’ in Hebrew and it celebrates a miracle that happened in Jerusalem over 2000 years ago. Judaism follows a lunar calendar, so holiday dates shift every year either in November or December and lasts for 8 days.
What is Diwali?
News and Blogs
Many people know Diwali as a festival of light, but what is it and who celebrates it?
Diwali (also known as Deepavali, Dipawali or Divali) is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in the world, celebrated in India and across the world within the Indian diaspora.
Helping Foster Children Celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas
News and Blogs
Helping your foster children celebrate Bandhi Chhor Diwas is a wonderful opportunity to foster cultural connection, instil values, and create cherished memories.
Saluting Our Sisters’ in October
News and Blogs
This year’s October Black History Month theme is ‘Saluting Our Sisters’.
10 Ways to Celebrate Mawlid with Your Muslim Foster Child
News and Blogs
We explore ten meaningful ways to celebrate Mawlid while fostering an Islamic child in care, fostering a sense of belonging, love, and spiritual growth.
Keeping children safe online: A guide for foster parents
News and Blogs
In this guide, we will explore the importance of online safety for foster children, why children in care are especially vulnerable, the online channels they may be using, the risks of social media, and provide tips for keeping kids safe online.
6 Ways Christians Can Help Children in Their Community
News and Blogs
There are many ways that Christians can help children in their community, whether through volunteering their time, donating resources, or providing support and advocacy.
Ten Reasons Christians Make Great Foster Parents
News and Blogs
If you follow the Christian faith and seek a meaningful way to positively impact the lives of children, consider embarking on a new journey as a foster parent. Here are ten compelling reasons why your Christian values align remarkably well with the pursuit of foster care.
8 things to do when your children fly the nest
News and Blogs
As parents, it can be challenging to adjust when our children leave home to pursue their dreams or start a new phase of their lives. Here are some things you can do after your children leave home.
Celebrating Easter with Your Foster Child
News and Blogs
Here are some ways you can make Easter a positive experience for your foster child and the rest of your family.
Fostering becoming the #1 topic this winter thanks to John Lewis.
News and Blogs
At ACS we wholeheartedly support all that John Lewis & Partners are doing to raise awareness of the growing numbers of foster children and how difficult life can be for them once they reach adulthood. The steps John Lewis are taking as part of their Better Futures project can only be commended and we hope it serves as a benchmark to other UK organisations too.
Carer Allowance uplifts this Stress Awareness Week
News and Blogs
ACS gave our foster parents one of the largest cost of living rises in our history back in April. But since April, there has been even more economic uncertainly. As a result we for the very first time we are increasing our fostering allowance for a second time in a year.
Black History Month 2022
News and Blogs
At ACS we believe to make a better future you need to take Action Not Words, just like the theme from this years Black History Month. In our latest blog we reflect on this year’s theme at what it means to us.
Unplug the kids this summer
News and Blogs
Well the summer is here, the children are all on holiday so the question we every parent asks themselves at this time of year is how shall we keep the kids entertained.
Language that cares
News and Blogs
At ACS we have launched our Language that Cares Charter in consultation with children and young people to help ensure that we all use language which is more positive and more importantly sanctions by our children and young people.
A very different Ramadan during Covid-19
News and Blogs
Ramadan 2020
News and Blogs
Welcome to Ramadan
News and Blogs
Fostering Assessments with ACS during social distancing
News and Blogs
Our Response to COVID -19
News and Blogs
Let’s talk about our finances.
News and Blogs
What is Shrove Tuesday and Lent
News and Blogs
ACS are rated ‘Outstanding’ in latest Ofsted Inspection
News and Blogs
Celebrating Foster Carer Appreciation Day
News and Blogs
Black History Month 2019
News and Blogs
2019 Foster Parent Survey
News and Blogs
Foster Children raise money to help the homeless
News and Blogs