What support do foster carers receive?

One of the main questions we get asked by families considering foster care is, what support will we receive? Embarking on becoming a foster carer is such a huge decision for each family and it stands to reason that there will be some tough as well as rewarding times ahead, as young people are nurtured to feel safe and secure in a new environment.

Here at Capstone Foster Care, we pride ourselves on the training and support we are able to offer our foster carers. As the saying goes, no one can give from an empty cup, and a well supported foster family will feel much more confident and able to help each child in their care to thrive. Every family is assigned a Supervising Social Worker to support them on their journey, and we offer around the clock support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. In addition to this, we also have Reviewing Officers, who will offer foster carers feedback on their progress and find out if any extra support is needed going forward.

Lucy, our Reviewing Officer for Bristol and Somerset says:

‘Every foster carer has an annual review meeting, which I chair. They’re a bit like a staff appraisal really. I check on the carers progress, their strengths and any areas in which they need any additional support. It’s normally a nice opportunity to look back over the past year and reflect on all the great things carers have been doing.

I’ve worked for Capstone for many years, (some say I’ll never leave!) I’ve mostly worked as a Supervising Social Worker and now as the Reviewing Officer for Bristol and Somerset. I’ve always respected Capstone’s commitment to providing long-term homes for children and how willing their Social Workers are to go the extra mile, which can often make all the difference. 

In my current role I get to meet carers once a year and hear all about the good, the bad and the sometimes ugly! There is a general consensus of how supported carers feel by Capstone Foster Care, and they especially appreciate the relationship they build up with their Supervising Social Worker.  

I love that I get to hear how well the children are doing, how they grow, develop and make progress, however small.

 The foster carers are amazing and care deeply about the children they are caring for and supporting, often all the way from childhood through to living independently.”

– Lucy, Reviewing Officer

Have you considered becoming a foster carer? No matter your circumstances, the first thing we always check for is if you have a spare room. If you do and would like to have an initial informal chat about becoming a foster carer for Capstone Foster Care and receive the amazing support from people like Lucy to make a difference to a child’s future, don’t hesitate to get in touch.