Support We Offer to Foster Carers

One of the most important things you can do when choosing a fostering agency is find out what support they actually provide. At Futures Group, we believe that a well-supported foster carer is a better foster carer. That’s why we’ve built a comprehensive, multi-layered support network to ensure you never feel alone in the role.

Why Carer Support Matters

Fostering is deeply rewarding, but it can also be challenging. Children in care often have complex needs, histories of trauma, and require patience and consistency from the adults around them. Without the right support in place, even the most committed foster carers can struggle. That’s why the quality and availability of support from your fostering agency matters so much.

Your Supervising Social Worker

Every foster carer at Futures Group is allocated a named Supervising Social Worker (SSW) from the point of approval. Your SSW is your main point of contact and is there to support you throughout every placement. They will visit your home regularly — at least monthly — and will be available to you by phone and email between visits.

Your SSW will help you manage placements, navigate challenges, access training, and review your fostering practice. They are your advocate within the organisation and with local authorities.

24/7 Out-of-Hours Support Line

Fostering doesn’t stop at 5pm on a Friday. That’s why we operate a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week out-of-hours support line staffed by qualified social care professionals. Whether it’s a crisis in the middle of the night or a question that won’t wait until Monday morning, we’re always at the end of the phone.

Foster Carer Support Groups

We run regular local support groups for foster carers, which provide an opportunity to meet with other carers in your area, share experiences, learn from each other and access peer support. These groups are facilitated by a member of our team and often include a guest speaker or themed discussion.

Many foster carers tell us that these support groups are one of the most valued aspects of being with Futures Group. The relationships formed with other carers can be a lifeline during difficult placements.

Ongoing Training and Development

We are committed to investing in your development as a foster carer. All of our foster carers have access to a wide programme of training courses throughout the year, both in-person and online. Topics include therapeutic parenting, managing challenging behaviour, supporting children with trauma, safeguarding, first aid, and much more.

In your first year, you will be supported to complete the nationally recognised Training, Support and Development Standards (TSD) — a qualification framework specifically designed for foster carers.

Financial Support and Allowances

All Futures Group foster carers are paid above the Fostering Network Payment Guidelines. Our current rates include:

• Weekly payments per placement of up to £401.24

• Parent and child placement rates of up to £593.11 per week

• Additional allowances for birthdays, festivals, summer holidays and internet provision

• Full fee and maintenance payments for short break carers for each child up to their allowance

Respite Care

Every Futures Group foster carer is entitled to a minimum of 14 days’ planned respite per year. Respite gives you a chance to rest and recharge, knowing the child in your care is with another trained and approved carer. We believe this is essential to sustaining long, healthy fostering careers.

Support for the Whole Household

We recognise that fostering affects the whole family, not just the designated foster carer. Our support extends to your partner, your own children, and other members of your household. We work with the whole family to ensure everyone feels informed, involved and supported throughout the fostering journey.

Find Out More

If you’d like to learn more about the support available at Futures Group or to start your fostering journey, get in touch with our team today. We’re here to answer your questions and help you take the next step.