FAQs

General/Site

Below are some general FAQs and answers. If there's anything we've missed, please submit your question to the form at the bottom - it may make an appearance on the website!

How Do I Access Support?

As a member of FosterSupport, all you need to do is send an email to advice@fostersupport.co.uk, or call our helpline at 01274 946660.

The more information you can give us the better - but we're here to help navigate what you're going through with you.

Top Tip: If you have your Membership ID or Contact Us using the email address or phone number on your account, this helps us locate you quickly on our Members List so we can get right to assisting you with your concern.

I've had a technical problem with my membership upgrade/payment/the website...

If you run into any technical issues whilst browsing our website or with your membership (switching membership types, failed payments, etc.) drop us an email at itsupport@fostersupport.co.uk and our IT Team will look into it ASAP.

Again, the more information you can provide, the better!

Allegations and SOC FAQs

Below are some FAQs and answers more specific to allegations or standards of care concerns.

What is the difference between a SOC (Standards of Care) concern and an allegation?

• Standards of Care Concern: This is about concerns over the quality of care provided to a child, like poor supervision or unmet needs. It doesn't suggest abuse, but it can still affect the child's well-being.

• Allegation: This is a specific claim of wrongdoing (e.g., abuse or neglect) against a foster carer.

Allegations are more serious and trigger formal investigations to ensure the child's safety.The key difference: standards of care concerns focus on care quality, while allegations involve claims of harm or abuse.

What should I do if I find out an allegation has been made against me?

The first thing to do is try not to panic - and definitely do not make any moves to resign or retaliate immediately.

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Contact us ASAP at advice@fostersupport.co.uk or call us on 01274 946660 and tell us that you're being subjected to an allegation. If you need an Out Of Hours emergency call, post in the Foster Support Members Facebook Page.

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The more information you can give us the better - but we understand that sometimes you aren't given much information yourself at all. Please include email addresses for the senior managers, so we can send our allegations email to them stating our support for you.

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If social workers turn up unannounced, you must let them in to allow them to do household safeguarding checks, but state that you are entitled to independent support for any questions.

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Send a SAR (Subject Access Request) to Services. If you need a template or advice on how to do this, we can advise.

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Stay calm, and choose your words wisely. We are here to support you.

If a Social Worker does an unannounced visit, do I have to let them in?

Yes.

If a Social Worker shows up on your doorstep, you must let them in to conduct a household inspection. This is true regardless of whether you have been subject to an allegation/SOC concern or not.

There will generally be guidelines for at least one unannounced visit per year - but this is a minimum, not a limit.

You have every right to tell them that if they have any questions during or after their visit, that you are entitled to independent support.

Fostering FAQs

Below are some FAQs and answers more specific to your Fostering role.

What courses would I find useful for my Fostering Career?

As a FosterSupport member you have access to the Training Hub with over 800 on-topic, accredited training courses to help develop your fostering skills even further. The courses are divided into a plethora of different sectors ranging from education, Foster Carers, leaving care and many more.

If you're not already set up on the Training Hub, please email traininghub@fostersupport.co.uk with your Membership ID ([id]) and we'll get you set up with an account.

What do I do if my local authority is not providing adaptations and equipment?

Standard 11: 12.3 - Preparation for a Placement

The fostering service ensures there are comprehensive arrangements for preparing and supporting young people to make the transition to independence. This includes appropriate training and support to foster carers caring for young people who are approaching adulthood.

Arrangements are consistent with the young person's care plan, including their placement plan, pathway plan and transition plan for children with disabilities and special educational needs.

If your LA is not providing the necessary adaptations and/or equipment, you can raise this. They are obligated to provide these adaptations to you.

I feel bullied and treated unfairly by social services, what can I do about this?

Please reach out to the team for support (advice@fostersupport.co.uk / 01274 946660) with any complaint that you feel that you may need to make. We can guide you through the process and act as a buffer between you and services to prevent retaliatory action.

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Frequently Asked Questions

General/Site

Allegations and SOC FAQs

Fostering FAQs

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