Who are the Carers?

Worcestershire County Council currently has approximately 200 approved fostering households, all unique and bringing different qualities to fostering.

• Children with complex backgrounds, e.g. whose parents may have mental health problems or a history of drug or alcohol misuse
• Sibling groups, i.e. brothers and sisters who need to be placed together
• Older children (school age and upwards) who require a long-term foster home where they are likely to stay until independence
• Children from Black and minority ethnic groups, particularly mixed ethnicity White and Black Caribbean and White and Asian
• Children seeking asylum in this country
• Children with disabilities

However we are always seeking to recruit a range of families in the hope that every child who needs to be placed is suitably matched with a family chosen to reflect the child's individual needs.

Worcestershire County Council provides their foster carers with outstanding support – including:

• Regular placements
• Fees & allowances paid
• 'Retainer' payments when vacant
• 24/7 emergency support
• Respite as required
• Excellent training, including NVQ level 3
• Regular one-to-one's with fostering social workers
• Specialist education and health support
• Concessionary leisure passes

Individuals don't foster – whole families do

At every stage in the process, from application to placement, your social worker will discuss with you, your partner and your children the impact fostering will have on the whole family's lives.

One of our main concerns is that your own children won't feel unhappy about you fostering. We know how important it is for children to continue to have their own time and space within your family and your home, and we will want to be sure that your children are 'on board' with your plans.