Fostering - support

On this page you can find information about the support we can offer you when become a foster carer.

Supervision of placement and support

You will have your own supervising social worker, who will visit your home on a monthly basis and make telephone contact at least weekly.

Newly approved foster carers are seen more frequently.

These visits and calls are to offer advice, support and supervision, and ensure that the foster children or young person's needs are being adequately met. Foster carers who are newly approved are seen within a fortnight of receiving confirmation of approval.

We will also organise support groups for carers to share their experiences and gain support from each other.

Training

Lambeth is committed to building training into carers' experience.

It is an expectation that all foster carers attend mandatory training in line with the fostering standards. We have our own training department and are continually developing general as well as specific training for all our carers.

Courses are also available to prepare carers to undertake the NVQ Child Care Level 3.

Therapy

Lambeth has its own in-house therapists who are committed to helping children and their carers in providing ongoing support and direction when dealing with some of the behaviours displayed by looked after children.

Education

Children and young people who are not in education and are without some form of tuition can present difficulties that could threaten the stability of the placement.

Lambeth is committed to maintaining children at school and within the community.

To achieve this aim, support will be given to maintaining children and young people in mainstream schools as well as children with a statement of educational needs.

Where children are not in full-time education, we liase closely with the education department and the child's social worker to ensure that appropriate educational input is provided.

Financial support

Lambeth Social Services provides an allowance for each child you foster.

This is intended to cover the day-to-day costs of looking after a child, plus additional expenses such as travelling to meetings or attending training events.

Of course, the exact amount you receive depends on the child.

For example, if you foster a child or young person with special needs or requirements, you will receive an increased allowance to reflect this.

Annual review of approval

In line with the National Minimum Standards all carers are reviewed six months after first child placed, and returned to Panel. Reviews then take place annually.

Reviews can be bought forward at any time if appropriate.

You are expected to contribute towards the review by completing a written consultation document, and your review is based on the competencies as outlined in the Fostering Standards.

Contact us

To begin a discussion with us about fostering, please submit the register my interest form or phone our free phone number: 0800 952 2926.