Concurrent Planning
Concurrent Planning is for babies and young children under 2 in care who are likely to need adoption, but who still have a chance of being reunited with their birth family. Concurrent carers are dually approved as both foster parents and adoptive parents and perform the role of foster carers while the courts decide whether […]
Support, training and therapeutic services
Children and young people in foster care may sometimes need additional support to help them understand their experiences, manage challenges and build on their strengths. Foster carers may also benefit from training, specialist advice and opportunities to develop their skills and confidence. A range of support services may be available through health, education, social care […]
Adoption support services & therapies
There is a range of adoption support services available to children adopted from care and it is important for you, as adoptive parents, to know what might be available to you and your child. Who are the service providers? Some of the support services listed below may be provided by your adoption agency. Others may be […]
Success stories: Adopting siblings
Sarah and Dan’s story Our social worker was so positive and welcoming. Her attitude always seemed to be ‘you will make great parents’. She explained that she’d support us through adoption, help us understand the commitment that’s involved and then make a really good match. We were delighted to discover that you could adopt siblings […]
Who can’t foster?
Many people are surprised by the range of people who become foster carers. Foster carers come from different backgrounds, cultures, communities and life experiences. However, fostering is a role that carries significant responsibility, and there are some legal, safeguarding and assessment requirements that all applicants must meet. These are in place to help ensure that […]
Common misconceptions about fostering
If you’re thinking about becoming a foster carer, you may have heard different opinions about who can foster and what fostering involves. Some of these are based on misconceptions that can discourage people from making an enquiry. The best way to find out whether fostering could be right for you is to speak with a […]
About the children
There are over 82,000 children in care in England that need either fostering or adopting. They come from a variety of different ethnic and religious backgrounds and some may have disabilities or other special needs. Most children who need adoptive families have been removed from their birth families by the courts because their parents and […]
Is fostering right for me?
If you are thinking about fostering but are unsure whether it is the right choice for you, taking time to learn more about the role can be a helpful first step. Foster carers play an important role in the lives of children and young people who need a safe, stable and nurturing home. Children may […]
Moving in – Becoming a family
You and your child(ren) will be supported by a social worker as you get to know each other, start living together and become a family. Initially you will spend time with your child in the foster carer’s home getting to know the child in an environment that is comfortable for the child. You will have […]
Matching with the right child
Once you are approved as a prospective adopter, the next step is to be matched with a child who could thrive in your family. Your social worker is responsible for seeking a potential child among those who are currently waiting. Some prospective adopters are matched with a child quite quickly, but for others it may […]