What is a Foster Carer?
A foster carer is a person who looks after a child when they cannot live with their own family. This can be for a short time, or a long time. Foster carers welcome children and young people into their own homes. A foster carers role is to provide all day-to-day care for the children and young people who live with them.
At Cuffe and Lacey, we train and support people to become foster carers. We are always so grateful to those who enquire about fostering, and love to hear from people who want to know how they can help children and young people. We aim to encourage as many people as possible to consider fostering. Fostering has so many amazing benefits for people who foster and the children they help.
There is a desperate need for foster carers across England. Thousands of foster carers are needed every year. Everyone deserves a home where they feel safe and secure.
Children in Foster Care
There are lots of different reasons why a child might need foster care. Foster carers provide warmth, support, and comfort for children when it’s needed most.
We receive many referrals every day for children and young people. Children of all ages, ethnicities, and cultures need homes. We receive referrals for children on their own, with their siblings, and for parents with their children. It’s important that there are foster carers available throughout the whole country. Children from all over England need care and support. There will be children in your area who will need a home right now.
There are different types of foster care. Some children will live with foster families for a few days. Others might live with their foster family until they are 18 or beyond. As a foster carer, you decide how best you can help children and young people. It is always your choice who comes to live with you. We will always be there to help you understand the process for children coming to live in foster care.
Training and Support
Foster carers work for either an Independent Fostering Agency or their local authority. This is who provides their support, training, and guidance. At Cuffe and Lacey, we are a family run Independent Fostering Agency (IFA). We are passionate about using our expertise to welcome foster carers. We want you to feel part of our amazing community. It is down to an individual whether they foster through an IFA or Local Authority.
At Cuffe and Lacey, all foster carers have their own social worker. Your social worker is there to offer guidance and support. They will visit at least once a month, usually more to begin with. There is always someone available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
We provide foster carer training in lots of different ways. The initial training, Skills to Foster, is part of your assessment to become a foster carer. Once approved, you can access different courses to help you grow your confidence and skills.
Foster Carer Pay
All foster carers receive payment for their skills. Foster carer pay ensures you have enough money to provide a safe, happy home for a child. A percentage of your pay is recognition for the commitment and care you are providing. Foster carers also receive a generous tax allowance. You can learn more about help with the costs of fostering on the government website.
You could be a foster carer
If you have ever considered fostering, we would love to hear from you. We love talking with people and helping them learn about how they can help.
Request our free information pack today or give us a call on 01253 542 678.