How often do foster carer support groups meet?

Foster carer support groups have no single required meeting frequency. The schedule is set by the fostering service or organisation, taking account of the type of group, the needs of participating carers and the subjects being discussed. The important point is that the group should provide a dependable opportunity to share experiences, ask questions and receive relevant guidance, rather than simply meeting as often as possible.

The timing may depend on the group’s purpose. A general peer-support group may follow a regular recurring pattern, while a group focused on a particular type of placement, age range or current issue may be arranged when there is a clear need. Groups linked to training or service updates may also follow the fostering service’s training and consultation calendar.

Some carers may be invited to additional discussions when circumstances require closer support. This could include changes affecting a placement, guidance about managing a particular behaviour, or an opportunity to discuss themes raised by several carers. These discussions do not necessarily replace the main support group; they may sit alongside it as part of the wider support available to foster families.

It is also useful to distinguish a support group from formal supervision. Foster carers normally have separate professional contact with their supervising social worker, including opportunities to review placements, discuss safeguarding and consider their ongoing development. A peer group is generally less formal and is not a substitute for reporting concerns through the proper fostering service channels. Its meeting schedule should therefore be considered alongside, rather than instead of, individual supervision and other required contacts.

When comparing groups, ask the organiser:

• How often are the main meetings normally arranged?
• Is the schedule planned in advance, and how are changes communicated?
• Are meetings open to all approved foster carers, or are some limited to particular placement types or experience levels?
• Can carers attend a different session if they cannot attend their usual group?
• Are partners and other household members invited where their involvement would be useful?
• Are online discussions or one-to-one conversations available in addition to group meetings?
• What should a carer do if an urgent placement or safeguarding issue arises between meetings?

Attendance is often most useful when carers contribute questions and examples while respecting confidentiality. Personal details about children should not be shared casually, particularly where they could identify a child or family. A well-managed group will explain its confidentiality expectations and make clear which concerns must be passed directly to the supervising social worker or fostering service.

Before joining, check the expected level of attendance and whether participation is treated as part of the service’s support or development arrangements. The best schedule is one that is realistic for your household and gives you regular access to relevant peer discussion, while still fitting with the formal supervision, training and placement support provided by your fostering organisation.