Training & support for foster carers

Becoming a foster carer means you are never alone. There is a structured package of professional, practical and peer support designed to help you care for children safely and confidently, from your first day through every placement.

a social worker speaking to a foster carer

Supervising social worker

Every foster carer is assigned a dedicated supervising social worker who will:

Visit regularly, at least every six weeks, or every 12 weeks for settled long‑term placements.
Provide practical support such as help with paperwork, placement planning, and liaising with schools or health services.
Offer emotional and professional guidance, helping you reflect on challenges, celebrate progress, and plan next steps.

Your supervising social worker is your main point of contact for day‑to‑day issues and will coordinate other services when needed.

Training and development

Shortly after approval you and your supervising social worker will complete a first‑year learning plan that focuses on induction and the core skills of fostering. The programme includes:

TSD Standards induction, the national Training, Support and Development standards for foster carers in England, expected to be completed within 12 months; extra time and support are available where needed.
Blended learning options, a mix of online and in‑person courses tailored to different experience levels.
Ongoing development, refresher courses, specialist workshops, and opportunities to gain accredited qualifications as your experience grows.

Out‑of‑hours support

Outside normal office hours so you can get urgent advice when you need it:

Evening and weekend telephone support staffed by experienced practitioners.
Emergency Duty Team for urgent or high‑risk situations that require immediate social work intervention.

This service is for crises, placement emergencies, and situations where immediate professional guidance is needed.

a group of foster children having pizza in the garden together

Peer support and networks

You will be able to connect with other carers for practical help and emotional encouragement:

Foster Carers Association, regular meetings, local events, and a forum for sharing experience and advice.
Buddy and mentoring schemes, one‑to‑one peer support from more experienced carers.
Mockingbird programme, a hub‑and‑satellite model where a hub home leads a small network of foster families, offering social activities, shared respite, and practical help to strengthen stability for children.

Financial support

Clear, reliable financial help so you can meet a child’s everyday needs:

Weekly allowances to cover food, clothing, activities and day‑to‑day costs.
Additional payments for birthdays, holidays, emergency placements, and assessed special needs.
Fostering Network membership included to give you extra advice, insurance options, and resources.

To find out about how your Council supports foster carers, click the logos below

We’re the choice for people from all backgrounds—single, coupled up, LGBTQ+, renting, or owning—who want to open their hearts and homes to local children and become part of a loved local community.

Fill out this short form and one of our team will reach out for an open and honest chat. Or feel free to call us on 020 8496 3437 or email hello@localcommunityfostering.co.uk.

You’re more ready than you think.

Fostering Enquiry New

How can we help you?*(Required)

Your Details*

First name(Required)

Last name(Required)

Telephone number(Required)

Email Address(Required)

Address no.(Required)

Postcode(Required)

Do you have any particular queries about fostering?

Are you happy to receive regular fostering news from us?

Yes