Our fostering consultant develop a range of practice notesbriefings 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 use of National Minimum Standards (NMS) in England as a benchmark for deciding on the suitability of foster carers including kinship foster carers | 7 June 2021

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)

Browse all Practice Notes


Panel chairs and advisers conference 2025

We are delighted to announce that CoramBAAF will be hosting our first panel chairs and advisers conference on 3 March 2025 in London at the QEII, Coram Campus, 41 Brunswick Square, WC1N 1AZ.

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Panels play a vital role in ensuring that every child finds the family, support and stability they need to thrive. This in-person event is an opportunity for panel chairs and advisers to meet, learn and reflect on the core aspects of their work across adoption, fostering and kinship care.

Register your interest

Read our blogs 

Amplifying foster carers' voices to truly hear the children in their care

Hear directly from foster carers about what it’s like for children and young people in their care to stay in touch with their families. We have asked our Foster Carer Advisory Committee members to share their experiences of helping the children in their care to stay in touch with their birth family, how different that can look for each child, and the impact of supporting staying in touch arrangements on the foster carers themselves.

Find out more

Improving the future of foster care – from a new Form F to a National Fostering Strategy

Emma Fincham, CoramBAAF’s fostering consultant, reveals the changes coming to Form F to improve practice whilst arguing that wider reform of the system through a National Fostering Strategy is required to significantly improve all foster carers’ experiences.

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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.

Fostering now', 'Making good assessments', and 'The child's legal journey through care' front covers

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 book covers

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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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.

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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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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.

Find out more