What is the role of a supervising social worker in fostering?

The supervising social worker (also sometimes known as the fostering social worker)  is a qualified and registered social worker who supervises and supports foster carers. The child who is being fostered is supported by their own social worker who is known as the child’s social worker, or local authority social worker. In reality, both social workers support the foster carer and the child as they work as the ‘team around the child’.

Supervising social workers may also complete initial assessments of foster carers, or the fostering provider may employ ‘assessing social workers’ whose role is only to complete initial assessments.

Supervising social workers carry out regular supervisions with foster carers. Typically the frequency is monthly, but if the child is settled and in a long term fostering arrangement, the frequency of supervision may be reduced at the discretion of the fostering team. Supervisions should be focused on the needs of the child; however, social workers will also ask about the foster carer’s wellbeing. The supervising social worker will speak with other household members (including the child living under a fostering arrangement) when it is possible to do so.

Training for foster carers is arranged by the fostering provider, however, the supervising social worker checks attendance and confirms that foster carers understand the training material and can apply relevant learning to the care of the child.

Supervising social workers will also carry out reviews of approval of foster carers every year or when there are any significant changes to the fostering home. The fostering agency may ask an independent social worker to review foster carers when it is felt that independent oversight may be beneficial.