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Support for Foster Carers
Support for Foster Carers
Every foster carer has their own supervising social worker (SSW) from the Fostering Team who attends meetings concerning children in placement with foster carers, and makes regular visits and phone calls. During office hours there is always a member of the Team to speak to if a carer’s SSW is not available. We also provide an out-of-hours and emergency service which means that carers can always get help if they need it when the office is closed.
Carers can access a range of specialist advice from other professionals offering medical, therapeutic or educational support.
The Fostering Team runs a monthly support group for carers, offering informal support and the chance to meet and mix with other carers over a cup of tea. Under 5s may be taken along to these sessions.
Because it is recognised that in successful fostering every member of the family plays a part, there is also a group for the sons and daughters of foster carers, giving them the opportunity to meet up regularly and enjoy activities and outings together.
All foster carers are issued with a Foster Carer’s Handbook containing information relating to Kingston Fostering Service and a Foster Carer’s Workbook which their SSW helps them complete in the first year.
They are also issued with a Foster Carer’s ID card, which they can use to claim discounts offered by some local shops and a Foster Carer’s Library Card, which gives them lending privileges in all borough libraries.
In Kingston, foster carers have set up their own Kingston Foster Carer’s Association (KFCA) which offers advice, support and the friendship of other carers. Both KFCA and the Fostering Team organise social events, outings and activities during the year.