Support for foster carers

You will receive support from the moment you apply to foster with us and throughout your fostering journey. There will be someone to ask questions to, get advice or get support from whenever you need it.

Support from social workers

During your assessment to become a foster carer you will work with an assessing social worker who will support you through the process. When you are approved as a foster carer you will work with a supervising social worker. You will always have support from a social worker who is your point of contact and with the fostering team.

Meet with other foster carers

We hold coffee monthly coffee mornings. You can meet with other foster carers for a chat or some advice. Social activities and events are also arranged throughout the year for families who foster.

Out of hours foster carer support line

Out of hours support is always available during evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays. The support line is staffed by colleagues from the fostering service and experienced foster carers.

Buddying support

We can also provide a 'buddy' if you are a new foster carer. An experienced foster carer will be your buddy to offer peer support while you build your skills and confidence as a foster carer. You can ask your assessing or supervising social worker about this, to see if it would help you.

Mockingbird fostering community

Mockingbird is a fostering community which specialises in providing support to foster carers in a collaborative way via constellations of fostering families. Find out more about Mockingbird and see if it might be right for you.

Support for Connected and Special Guardianship Order (SGO) carers

We have a hub which specialises in support for connected foster carers. This is sometimes known as friends and family or kinship care. They also provide support to people who are caring for children with a special guardianship order (SGO).

Foster carer's handbook

The foster carer's handbook has lots of useful resources and information. It's currently under review and the new version will be available soon. 

The file below may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. If you use assistive technology and need a version of a document in a more accessible format, please contact us. We can provide you with an accessible version or arrange to talk to you to explain the contents.

Organisations who offer support

• CoramBAAF Adoption & Fostering Academy. An organisation dedicated to improving outcomes for children and young people in care by supporting the agencies and professionals who work with them. 
• Fosterline. Provides confidential, impartial, advice information and signposting on a range of issues of concern to foster carers and those interested in fostering.
• Foster Talk. An independent, not-for-profit organisation providing high quality professional support to Foster Carers in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• The Fostering Network. Membership to the charity is included if you are a foster carer for Walsall Council.

Find out more

Contact us using the buttons below to ask more questions, find out how to apply or to enquire about transferring to foster with Walsall.