About South Coast Fostering
Our History
South Coast Fostering was founded in 2020, however we grew out of one of the oldest fostering agencies in the UK, Greater London Fostering (GLF). GLF has been successfully recruiting, training and support carers for over 20 years!
South Coast Fostering grew from a small community of carers who were all based on the South Coast and it got to a point where it they felt they would be better supported in their own agency which only focused on this area.
So we decided to start SCF!
We still work hand in hand with our sister agencies GLF and Fostering Hearts so we benefit from scale, but are small enough to have a really strong local SCF community.
All 3 agencies are under the umbrella of the Positive Aspirations Group, which hopefully sums up our mission; to create positive aspirations in all our children, carers and staff.
Children Are At The Heart Of Everything We Do
We Promote Positive Aspirations In Everyone
We Always Do The Right Thing Not The Easy Thing
book a call about fostering:
We’d be happy to give you a 15-20 minute call to tell you about fostering.
Don’t worry, there’s no pressure from us – it’s honestly a chance for you to ask us any questions you have about fostering, and your suitability.
Just complete this short form;
Meet our team!
Whilst it takes more than a web page to get to know us, this is a good start.
Meet Richard, Our Director
Richard is the son of the founder of Positive Aspirations, and has been the director of Positive Aspirations group since 2020.
He worked in almost all job roles in our sister agency, before going off to complete a Masters in Business Administration in 2012. After that he went to work as a management consultant with McKinsey. He then worked for a period with a company called Telephonica, who own the mobile network O2.
Outside of work, he has a passion for cooking and spent a year training as a chef! During this time he also learnt all about wine, which remains a bit of a hobby.
The best part of the job is seeing a young person find their spark, that thing that gets them motivated!
Meet Melanie, our Responsible Individual
Melanie has worked within the Positive Aspirations Group since 2012, and has grown to become the Responsible Individual for all three fostering agencies.
This means she is in charge of all the day to day running of each IFA!
Melanie has a background in human resources and recruitment and loves to bring structure and order to everything we do.
Outside of work she is an active grandmother, and an even more active dog lover.
I am in awe of the work our foster carers do.
At times they must have the hardest job in the world, but this also means at times it must be the most rewarding
Meet Ahmez, Our Finance Manager
Ahmez has been with the agency since 2008. During that time he’s updated our financial management, allowing us to grow as a group without needing outside investment.
He is an qualified accountant and a stickler for details.
As well as being charge of the day to day finances, he also leads all our contract work!
When he’s not knee deep in an excel spreadsheet, he spends all his time running after his two adorable children.
I'm so proud to be a part of this agency.
Everyday I see an example of the difference our community makes to children. Even though my time is spent looking at numbers, everyone at the office is really good at sharing and talking about all the positive work they do, so I feel part of the bigger picture.
Meet Sally, our Manager
Sally joined South Coast Fostering in April 2022. She is a very experienced fostering manager, who has worked for both large and small agencies.
She’s committed to ensuring foster parents are always well supported and treated as part of the team.
She was also a foster carer for many years, so she knows exactly what carers go through!
It’s a privilege to work alongside fantastic foster families and to see the children they care for thrive and climb their own personal mountains.
Sally Barnett
How we support you
As a fostering agency, the most important thing we can do is earn your trust.
We believe that good support is built on a trusting and professional relationship – and without this we can’t do our job.
Foster Carers Are Part Of The Team
As a foster carer, you are the most crucial part of the team supporting a child. If you aren’t treated as an equal professional then how can you do your job?
We Do What We Say
There is nothing worse than hollow promises. We pride ourselves on doing what we say and when we say we’ll do it.
Getting To Know The Whole Family
No one fosters in isolation, so we make sure we get to know your family, and support network. They are important and their thoughts are always taken into consideration when making decisions.
Being Paid On Time And Correctly
One frustration we hear from carers who transfer to us from other agencies is that they are being paid incorrectly or late. We ensure this doesn’t happen, so you can focus on the important stuff, fostering!
Download
Our Guide To Fostering
It’s free and packed full of info
Just complete the form at the bottom of the page
Now you've Met Us, We'd love to meet you!
We hope you’ve enjoyed meeting us and hopefully understanding a little more about what we stand for.
Now it’s time for us to meet you!
We can’t help children without you, we need new foster carers every year as there are increasing numbers of children who are coming into care.
Moreover, every year foster carers stop fostering. They might be retiring, or they no longer have the time to foster.
South Coast Fostering's foster care program is built on a foundation of valuing and appreciating the dedicated foster carers who open their hearts and homes to children in need. The company recognizes the significant role foster carers play in transforming the lives of vulnerable children and goes above and beyond to provide comprehensive support, training, and resources that empower their carers and improve the welfare of the children in their care.
Valuing and Supporting Foster Carers
At the core of South Coast Fostering's approach is an unwavering commitment to supporting their foster carers. The company understands that the success of their program relies on the dedication, passion, and hard work of these individuals. As such, they strive to create a nurturing environment where carers feel valued, respected, and supported throughout their fostering journey.
To help foster carers succeed, South Coast Fostering has developed a referral program that encourages individuals to invite others to become foster carers, further expanding the network of dedicated individuals stepping up to care for children in need.
Comprehensive Training for Foster Carers
South Coast Fostering provides extensive training to ensure their foster carers are well-equipped to handle the unique challenges and rewards of fostering. From pre-approval training sessions to ongoing workshops and seminars, carers have access to a wealth of knowledge and resources designed to enhance their skills and understanding of the complex needs of the children in their care.
For example, Sarah, a foster carer with South Coast Fostering, recently attended a training session on trauma-informed care. She shares, "The training provided by South Coast Fostering has been invaluable. It has helped me better understand the experiences and emotions of the children I care for, allowing me to offer more effective support and guidance."
Therapeutic Support and Resources
South Coast Fostering recognizes the importance of therapeutic support for both foster carers and the children they care for. The company offers access to a range of therapeutic services, such as counselling, play therapy, and art therapy, to help children process their emotions and work through any challenges they may face.
Additionally, foster carers receive guidance and support in implementing therapeutic parenting techniques. These approaches are designed to foster secure attachments, build resilience, and promote emotional well-being in the children they care for.
Making a Positive Impact on Children's Lives
Through their comprehensive approach to fostering, South Coast Fostering has seen tangible improvements in the welfare of the children in their care. Many children who enter the program struggling with emotional and behavioural issues begin to flourish under the care of their dedicated foster carers, ultimately achieving success in their education, forming healthy relationships, and developing a strong sense of self-worth.
One such example is the story of Ben, a young boy who experienced significant trauma before entering foster care. Under the compassionate care of his foster family and with the support of South Coast Fostering's resources, Ben has made remarkable progress in his emotional healing and overall well-being.
A Safe and Nurturing Haven for Children in Foster Care
South Coast Fostering is committed to providing a safe and nurturing haven for children in foster care, and they understand that this would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of their foster carers. By investing in comprehensive training, therapeutic support, and resources, the company ensures that their carers feel valued and empowered to make a lasting impact on the lives of the children they care for.
South Coast Fostering offers different types of fostering, including short-term, long-term, and parent and child fostering, and serves a wide range of areas in southern England.
Carers can expect a competitive financial package, comprehensive carer support, and access to a wealth of learning, development, and training opportunities to help them make a meaningful difference in the lives of children in their care.
As South Coast Fostering continues to grow and support more children and families, the company remains steadfast in its mission to create brighter futures for vulnerable children – one loving home at a time. Start your fostering journey today and become part of this incredible mission.