What is the best fostering agency to go with?

Here are some things to consider when choosing a fostering agency best suited to you:

• Location: Some providers, such as Sparks Fostering, don’t expect foster carers or staff to attend their office so the location of the office isn’t relevant to foster carers. However, fostering applicants should enquire about the support that can be provided in the area – all foster carers should be supported by a supervising social worker who lives in an easily commutable distance from the fostering home.

• Method of training: All fostering providers offer training to foster carers; however, some providers expect carers to attend face to face training. Sparks Fostering offers a comprehensive schedule of over 40 training subjects via online learning, supervisions and peer group workshops.

• Ofsted rating: Applicants should review the content of the Ofsted report in case of concerning information. Sparks Fostering was rated Good/Good/Outstanding at their first inspection, which is the highest rating possible for a newly established fostering agency with new placements.

• Finances: Fees and allowances can vary between £200 per week per child to up to £1,000 per week per child. The fees depend on the age and level of needs of the child; however, even when taking that into consideration, services vary in the financial support offered to carers. An appropriate way to compare is to ask specific providers for their fees in specific circumstances: for example, Sparks Fostering offers £750 per week per child for new foster carers who care for young teens with some additional needs (such as developmental delay or unaccompanied asylum seeking children).