Should You Foster for a Local Authority? Or an Independent Agency/Service?

Should you foster for a Local Authority or an Independent Agency/Service?

There is a running narrative at the moment that Local Authority fostering is better, as it keeps children local, you have local support, local training and so on. As a foster carer I see both sides to this argument as a Service owner it saddens me. The sad reality though is that some children need to move out of the area.

We are a local fostering service. We support carers locally and slightly further afield as it is a carers choice who they wish to register with.

We always advise people who enquire with us to do their research, ring around, speak to other organisations, speak to their LA, and make sure that it is the right fit for them.

We give 24 hour support. That means if you call after 5pm or on weekends, someone you know will support you and if needed come out to you.

We provide training that is relevant to your role and the needs of the children placed with you, not a tick box exercise or the bare minimum to meet the regulations.

We will advocate for you, support you, and most importantly, empower you to carry out your role as a professional.

At Phoenix55 Fostering Service, we recognise, respect and advocate for carers to be members of the National Union of Professional Foster Carers and Foster Wiki.