Our fostering consultant develop a range of practice notes, briefings and other resources to support our members in their work. They also support the exchange of ideas and good practice at our regular practice forums.
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)
Upcoming training
Fostering assessments (Form F) – best practices - two day course
19 & 20 March | 9.45am - 4pm | Zoom
This two-day open course will provide practitioners and 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.
Assessing adult relationships
1 April | 9.45am - 4pm | Zoom
The purpose of this open course is to give participants an opportunity to consider what good practice in assessing adult relationships is, exploring their own values and assumptions and to consider the importance of attachment styles; motivation; sex and sexuality; and loss and infertility.
Fostering book bundles
To help newly qualified social workers, or those that want to refresh their knowledge, we have created a fostering starter packs. Timeless bestsellers that offer invaluable guidance for the vital work of fostering professionals.
Starter pack
Get 'Fostering now', 'Making good assessments', and 'The child's legal journey through care' for £35 (usually £49.90).
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Bumper starter pack
Dive into these essential resources to gain practical insights and robust guidance, whether you're just starting or a seasoned professional. Get this bundle for £65 (usually £82.80).
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Undertaking checks and references in fostering and adoption assessments
The assessment of foster carers and adopters is amongst the most important aspects of family placement work. Undertaking checks and references is key to these assessments, and a core task for social workers. This Good Practice Guide details the range of checks routinely undertaken across the UK.
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Undertaking a fostering assessment in England
This guide is designed to help social workers to manage and complete a comprehensive and evidence-based assessment of prospective applicants who want to foster a child or children. It is to be used by assessing social workers to complete a Prospective Foster Carer’s Report using the CoramBAAF Form F (for England).
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Effective fostering panels
2019 EDITION What are the roles and responsibilities of fostering panel members? What regulations and standards determine the functioning of a fostering panel? How can panels implement best practice to improve their work and make better placements? Effective fostering panels answers these and many other questions.
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The Role of the Supervising Social Worker
This Good Practice Guide is a vital learning tool and companion for all those starting out in the role of supervising social worker, or needing to keep their skills and knowledge up to date as the role evolves with changes in practice.
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Watch our event recordings
LGBTQ+ Young people and their social care needs
This session will outline recent findings that outline the particular and significant needs for LGBTQ+ people when linked to social care. From three studies, we developed a model explaining their challenges and recommendations for improving practice. We will outline their particular needs as well as exploring how to improve social care to develop more inclusive services.
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.
Sign in to watchGet 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.
Find out more