What support do foster carers receive after approval?

After approval, foster carers are supported by a fostering team that helps them manage placements, meet the needs of children and young people, and continue developing their skills. Support is not limited to the point when a child moves in; it continues throughout a fostering career and is adapted to the needs of each placement.

Supervision and professional guidance

Most foster carers have a named supervising social worker or similar member of the fostering team. They provide regular supervision, discuss how placements are progressing and help carers consider the child’s welfare, behaviour, relationships and development. They can also help carers understand their responsibilities, complete records and prepare for meetings or reviews.

Practical guidance may be needed at different stages of a placement. For example, carers may need advice about managing difficult behaviour, supporting contact with birth family, responding to changes in a child’s presentation, maintaining appropriate boundaries or sharing concerns through safeguarding procedures. The fostering team should help carers identify the right course of action rather than expecting them to deal with complex issues alone.

Support with individual placements

Before a placement begins, carers should receive information about the child’s needs, known risks, routines and existing support arrangements. The fostering team can help with placement planning and clarify what is expected of everyone involved, including the carer, social workers, education professionals and the child’s family.

As circumstances change, the plan may need to be reviewed. Support can include preparing for review meetings, considering additional services and agreeing practical strategies that are suitable for the child. If a placement becomes more complex, carers should raise this promptly with their supervising social worker so that the situation can be assessed and appropriate guidance arranged.

Training and development

Approval is the start of ongoing learning rather than the end of training. Foster carers may be offered courses and development activities covering areas such as safeguarding, first aid, trauma, attachment, online safety, education, health needs and supporting children who have experienced loss or neglect. The training provided should reflect the ages, backgrounds and needs of the children placed with the carer.

Carers can use supervision and placement reviews to identify areas where further learning would be useful. Keeping training up to date helps carers respond safely and consistently, while also providing evidence of their continuing development as approved foster carers.

Financial guidance

Foster carers receive financial information explaining the fostering allowance and any other payments or expenses that may apply to a placement. The amount and arrangements can depend on the provider, the child’s circumstances and the type of placement, so applicants should ask for the current policy rather than relying on general figures.

Guidance may also cover record keeping, allowable placement-related expenses and matters that could affect a carer’s personal financial position. Specialist tax advice may be appropriate, as individual circumstances differ and rules can change. Financial support is intended to help carers understand the costs of fostering; it should not be treated as a guaranteed income.

Support from a wider network

Fostering teams may provide opportunities to learn from other carers through support meetings, peer networks or group activities. This can help carers compare practical approaches, understand that placements can involve different challenges and share ideas within appropriate confidentiality boundaries.

Support should also take account of everyone in the fostering household. Partners, children and other household members may need clear explanations about fostering, changes to routines and how they can contribute safely. Carers should ask how household members can raise concerns and what support is available if fostering affects family relationships or day-to-day life.

Reviews, records and safeguarding

Approved foster carers are expected to take part in regular reviews and keep accurate records about the child’s care. The fostering team can explain what needs to be recorded, how information should be stored and when concerns must be reported. Reviews provide a formal opportunity to consider the carer’s development, the quality of support provided and whether any changes are needed to the approval or training plan.

Carers should know who to contact if they are worried about a child, an allegation, a safeguarding issue or the stability of a placement. Before accepting approval, ask the provider to explain its support structure, escalation process, supervision arrangements, training programme and financial policies in clear terms.

For families in the West Midlands, local support is provided through regional teams, with offices in Droitwich and Stoke and staff located across the area. The important point is to understand which members of the team will support you, how supervision is arranged and how the provider will work with you as your experience and the needs of children in your care develop.