24/7 Professional and Dedicated Support
Choosing to become a foster carer is a big decision, but it is not one you need to make alone. At Fostering Rotherham, we are incredibly proud of our wider support network for our foster carers.
We’re proud to say we provide
24/7 professional and dedicated support to our strong network of over 130 carers.
Our Wider Support Network
Support throughout your fostering journey
You will be paired with a dedicated and highly experienced social worker and have access to a duty manager during work hours. We want to make sure you feel supported every step of the way.
Dedicated placement team
Our fostering placement team handles all placements and referrals, but their hard work doesn't stop there. They also handle day care, teatime placements and sleepovers for whenever your child needs them.
Joined up support 24/7
If you are unable to speak to your assigned social worker, your query or issue will be dealt with by our fostering duty or emergency out of hours teams. We can access all the information we need to help with your issue.
Our experienced social team
Collectively our social worker team here at Fostering Rotherham have 211 years’ experience. Each member of our entire children's services workforce has on average 5+ years working in social work, in the local area and with local communities.
Want to learn more about becoming a foster carer
with Fostering Rotherham?
Support for Newly Approved Foster Carers
When you’re first approved as a foster carer, we can understand that you may feel that this is the time where you will need the most support in your fostering journey. We would like to reassure you that we have extensive schemes and tools in place to help you whenever you need it:
Fostering Rotherham has launched a "buddy" system for newly approved foster carers so you'll be paired with a fellow qualified foster carer who can offer support and advice.
You will be issued with a foster carer handbook which contains all of the protocols and processes, and reminders of your Skills to Foster training course.
As members of The Fostering Network you will also have access to an exceptional library of resources ranging from books to blogs to podcasts and even nationwide events and conferences.
All new approved Foster Carers can sign up for a Rothercard and the Max card. These schemes entitle foster carers and their family to lots of discounts at various attractions, theme parks and local activities/groups.
There are lots of ways to reach peer support such as the Foster Carers’ Association, local and national events, Facebook groups and the Mockingbird Hub, all of which improve the stability of fostering placements and strengthens the relationships between carers, foster children, fostering services and birth families.
Ready to join Rotherham’s fostering family? Speak to our friendly team today
“The guidance and constant encouragement was invaluable.”
-Sam, current foster carer
Read Samantha’s care story here.
Mockingbird
Mockingbird is a model of support system for foster families. One central ‘Mockingbird hub’ supports six to ten fostering households and up to 18 looked after children and young people, including offering daytime and sleepover care. We want to make sure that everyone involved feels supported, and that you find your community.
Our Mockingbird Care Hubs
There are 3 local Mockingbird Hubs across Rotherham, placed in Conisbrough, Thurcroft and Maltby. All are less than a 30 minute drive from most places in and around Rotherham.
Read more about Mockingbird in our ‘What Is Mockingbird’ blog.
“Mockingbird is great to create one big family, the kids all know each other.” - Martin and Amanda, current foster carers
Specialised Support Groups
Fostering Rotherham runs regular, specialised virtual support groups so that you can engage with local foster carers with similar circumstances. Some of these groups include: new carers, family and friends, birth children, and 0-4 years. We are pleased to say that the support groups will move back to face to face as COVID-19 cases ease.
Therapeutic Team
The Therapeutic Team enhances the services offered to foster children in Rotherham. Their aim is to strengthen the stability of placements and support the emotional wellbeing of young people. The Therapeutic Team focuses specifically on the attachment and therapeutic needs of children who cannot live with their birth parents.
Forums to recognise hard work
Our bi-monthly online forums give you the chance to hear from expert speakers. There’s always something new to learn. Forums are also a fantastic opportunity to nominate a foster carer for an award, so we can recognise somebody’s great work. All of our carers are welcome.
