Becoming a Foster Carer

Fostering is about providing a safe, caring and nurturing family environment where children and young people can feel secure, valued and supported.

At Parent and child fostering services, we are looking for caring, committed people who can provide a stable and supportive home and are willing to work in partnership with children, parents, Local Authorities and other professionals. Our specialist area is Parent & Child fostering, alongside a smaller range of other fostering placements where these meet assessed needs and are consistent with our registration.

Whether you are new to fostering or have previous fostering experience, PACFS will provide the preparation, training and ongoing support you need to develop the skills and confidence required for safe and effective fostering.

What We Look For in Foster Carers:

To become a foster carer with Parent and child fostering services, you will need to:

  • Provide a safe, stable and welcoming home where children and young people can feel secure, valued and supported.
  • Have appropriate bedroom space available, in line with the needs of the child or young person and PACFS’s fostering requirements.
  • Work positively with professionals, including attending meetings and contributing to discussions about the child’s care, development and progress.
  • Follow and support the child’s Care Plan, working with the placing Local Authority and other professionals to promote the child’s welfare and best interests.
  • Respect and promote children’s rights and voices, ensuring that children and young people are listened to and supported to participate in decisions that affect them, in an age-appropriate way.
  • Support safe and appropriate relationships, including contact with birth family members where this forms part of the child’s plan and is assessed as appropriate.
  • Be open to learning and development, including completing required training and participating in ongoing support and development opportunities provided by PACFS.
  • Provide patience, understanding and consistency, creating a nurturing family environment that responds to the individual needs of each child or young person.
  • Use positive and non-punitive approaches to behaviour, promoting safe, respectful and supportive relationships.
  • Be willing to support Parent & Child placements where appropriate, including working alongside parents and professionals to provide a safe, structured and nurturing environment that promotes the welfare and best interests of the child.

Allowances & Financial Support

We understand that fostering is a significant commitment, and PACFS is committed to ensuring foster carers receive appropriate financial information and support. As a Parent and Child fostering services foster carer, you may receive:

 

  • A fostering allowance to contribute towards the costs associated with caring for a child or young person.
  • Additional payments or financial support where applicable, depending on the type and needs of the placement and in accordance with PACFS’s current remuneration arrangements.
  • Clear information about fostering allowances and payments, including the financial arrangements relevant to individual placements.
  • Guidance and support from PACFS to help foster carers understand the financial arrangements associated with their fostering role.

(Full details of allowances will be discussed during the application process.)

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Your Role as a Foster Carer

As a foster carer, you will:

• Support the child’s emotional, physical, and educational development

• Work closely with professionals and attend important meetings

• Keep simple, accurate records to support the child’s journey

• Promote the child’s wellbeing and safety at all times

• Help children build confidence, independence, and positive relationships

What Support You’ll Receive

You will never be alone on your fostering journey. We provide:

• Dedicated support from an experienced Supervising Social Worker

• 24/7 support, whenever you need advice or reassurance

• Ongoing training and development opportunities

• Regular supervision and guidance tailored to you

• A supportive community of carers who understand your journey

Make a Difference

Fostering changes lives—not just for the child, but for you too.

If you’re ready to offer care, stability, and opportunity to a child who needs it most, we’d love to hear from you.

👉 Start your fostering journey with PACFS today.

Parent and Child Fostering Service
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