Support For Foster Carers
We’ve answered some of the most common questions people ask when they first start thinking about fostering. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for here, please don’t worry — we’re always happy to help.
The easiest way to get in touch is to send us a question on our WhatsApp number. Whether you’re just starting to explore the idea of fostering or you have a specific question about the process, we’ll be glad to chat and point you in the right direction.
Support for Foster Carers at South Coast Fostering
Introduction
Deciding to become a foster carer is a big step, and one of the first questions most people ask is what kind of support they will receive. Fostering can be incredibly rewarding, but it also brings challenges, and having the right people around you makes all the difference.
At South Coast Fostering, we believe that good fostering starts with good support. From your first enquiry through to your day-to-day life as a foster carer, our focus is on making sure you never feel like you’re doing it alone.
Support from South Coast Fostering
Our carers have access to a wide range of support designed to help them feel confident in their role and able to provide the best possible care for the children in their homes.
This includes practical things like financial support and training, as well as ongoing guidance from experienced social workers. Every foster carer has a dedicated supervising social worker who gets to know them well and is there to offer advice, support and sometimes simply a listening ear.
We also know that fostering doesn’t stop at 5pm, which is why support is available 24 hours a day if something urgent comes up.
Alongside professional support, we put a lot of value on community. Our carers regularly meet through support groups, training sessions and social events, giving them the chance to connect with other people who truly understand what fostering is like.
Sarah’s Story
Sarah had always wanted to work with children in some way, but it wasn’t until her mid-thirties that she seriously started thinking about fostering.
After speaking with a few agencies, she chose South Coast Fostering because she liked the personal approach and the sense that carers were genuinely supported.
“The training at the beginning really helped,” Sarah says. “It gave me a much clearer picture of what fostering would actually be like.”
Not long after being approved, Sarah welcomed a young girl called Lily into her home. Lily had been through a difficult time and needed patience and consistency while she settled.
Like many new carers, Sarah found the early weeks challenging. But she never felt alone. Her supervising social worker was always available if she needed advice, and she found a lot of reassurance from talking to other carers at support meetings.
Over time, Lily began to relax and feel more secure. Sarah says the biggest difference came from simply being able to offer stability day after day.
“Seeing her confidence grow has been incredible,” she says. “And knowing there’s always someone I can call if I’m unsure about something makes a huge difference.”
Final Thoughts
Fostering is a commitment, but it’s one you don’t have to manage on your own. With the right support, carers are able to focus on what matters most — providing stability, care and encouragement to the children in their home.
At South Coast Fostering, our role is to make sure carers feel supported, valued and prepared for the realities of fostering. When carers feel confident and backed up, children benefit too.
Frequently Asked Questions: Support for Foster Carers at South Coast Fostering
- What financial support will I receive as a foster carer?
As a foster carer with South Coast Fostering, you will receive a competitive weekly fostering fee. Our current payments are £479.50 per week for a child aged 10 or under and £507.50 per week for a child aged 11 or over. This payment is designed to cover the child’s day-to-day needs, including food, clothing, activities, and general living costs.
- What happens if I need help outside of normal office hours?
Fostering doesn’t stop in the evening, and neither does our support. South Coast Fostering provides 24-hour support for carers, meaning you can always speak to someone if an urgent situation arises or if you need advice.
- How often will I see my supervising social worker?
You will have a dedicated supervising social worker who will visit you regularly and get to know your household well. These visits provide an opportunity to talk through how things are going, discuss any concerns, and make sure you feel supported in your role.
- Will I have the chance to meet other foster carers?
Yes. We believe peer support is incredibly important. We regularly organise support groups, training sessions and gatherings where carers can meet, share experiences and learn from one another.
- What training will I receive?
Foster carers at South Coast Fostering have access to a wide range of training opportunities. This includes initial preparation training as well as ongoing learning throughout your fostering journey. Our training focuses on practical, useful topics that help carers feel confident supporting the children in their care.
If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are always happy to help and support you as you explore becoming a foster carer.
Allegations
It’s estimated that 30% of foster carers will face an alligation at some point during their foster carer, so it’s worth understanding what they are and the impact they might have.
Fostering & Finances
Though it may be difficult, talking openly about finances is crucial. At our organisation, we prioritise transparency, including when it comes to the fees and allowances that we provide to our carers.
Who Can Foster
Fostering is possible for the majority, yet a few requirements may be restrictive. As such, understanding these prerequisites is advantageous.
How long does a placement last?
Placements can last from over night to many years, so we’ve tried to set out what factors influence the length of a placement.
How many children can I foster?
This is an important question to ask, as it will be one of the things which are discussed during your assessment
What children need fostering?
There are a lot of myths about the kinds of children which need fostering, rather then imagining the worst,
Can I choose the gender and age of the child?
This is a really common question to have, and more or less the answer is yes, however, with some caveats.
What's the assesment like?
A fostering assessment is a big bit of work, so it’s worth understanding it before starting.
Will I be supported as a foster carer?
It’s really important to understand the level of support you will receive, this isn’t the same across all agencies.
Time to book a call with us
Our Recruitment Team Would Love to Have a chat
To begin the journey of becoming a foster carer, the initial step involves an informal 15-minute call with us. During this call, we provide an opportunity to answer any specific questions you may have about your situation, whilst helping you determine how fostering fits in with your life.