Our fostering consultants develop a range of practice notes, briefings and other resources to support our members in practice. They also support the exchange of ideas and good practice at our regular practice forums.
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Fostering starter pack
To help newly qualified social workers, or those that want to refresh their knowledge, we have created a fostering starter pack. Get Fostering Now, Making good assessments, and The child's legal journey through care for £30 (usually £45.90).
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Editor's Exclusive
Every month we release a free chapter from one of our bestselling publications. For December, we are sharing the third chapter from our 'Dogs and pets in fostering and adoption' Good Practice Guide. Read our chapter on 'Advantages and disadvantages of keeping dogs and pets'.
Download nowUpcoming training
Chairing fostering and adoption panels
17 January | 10am - 4pm | Zoom
This course will explore general planning for and facilitation of panels and complex meetings in the children’s sector. It will explore time management and group facilitation whilst holding the child at the centre of thinking, recommendations and decision-making.
Fostering assessments (Form F) – Best practice - two day course
24 & 25 January | 10am - 4pm | Zoom
This two-day course will provide practitioners particularly those who may be new to undertaking, quality assuring or considering fostering assessments with an opportunity to develop knowledge, skills and practice in completing fostering assessments.
The role of the supervising social worker: Supervising and supporting foster carers
5 February | 10am - 4pm | Zoom
The role of the supervising social worker has many facets, involving managerial, supervisory, educative and support functions. This course allows supervising social workers to develop their practice and confidence in these areas.
Latest blogs
Foster carers making their voices heard – we should listen
James Bury reflects on his visit to number 10 Downing Street. He attended a reception, along with Emma Fincham and our Foster Carers Advisory Committee, to celebrate the work of foster carers from across the country.
Read moreThe diary of a Fostering Consultant during Foster Care Fortnight
Emma Fincham shares what she has been up to throughout Foster Care Fortnight. The past two weeks have provided many occasions for celebration in addition to bringing into sharp focus some of the dilemmas foster carers face.
Read moreRising costs of caring risks the stability of children and young people in care
The cost of living crisis is affecting children and young people across the UK. Emma Fincham, our Fostering Consultant, considers how this directly impacts children and young people in foster families. She argues that we need to think about both the retention and the recruitment of foster carers.
Read moreWatch the recording
The wellbeing of children in care - comparing those in kinship and unrelated foster care
The Bright Spots Programme supports local authorities to systematically listen to their children in care and care leavers, about the things that are important to them. The presentation takes data from the programme and examines the views of over 1,200 children.
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Making long-term foster care a positive permanence option - Messages from 25 years of research
This webinar was presented by Gillian Schofield and Birgit Larsson. It explored and assessed their research on long-term foster care as a permanence option, including this most recent study.
Sign in to watchLatest guidance
The usual fostering limit, exemptions, and terms of approval of foster carers (England) | 6 November 2017
Practice Notes
These are the latest fostering practice notes available to our members as free PDF downloads:
Practice Note 73 - Disabled Foster Carers
Practice Note 72 - Planning the Assessment of a Foster Carer's New Partner
Practice Note 71 - Writing a Fostering Panel Annual Report
Practice Note 70 - The Fostering Decision-Maker (England)
Get involved
Our multidisciplinary groups and forums provide a platform to you, our members, so we can advocate on your behalf to Government, and ensure that your voices are heard in the development of legislation, policy and practice.
Fostering practice forums
Share professional practice, knowledge and expertise in fostering with colleagues in your local region including groups dedicated to Private and Independent Fostering.
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