At Blue Sky we know that the most important factor to successful placements is the support offered to Foster Carers. Not blanket support, but timely specific support tailored to the needs of carers and children. Prior to each placement, a meeting is arranged to discuss what support and services are needed to ensure the best possible outcome. Each child and each situation is different, as are Foster carers and what they particularly need. We constantly listened to what our experienced carers say they want from support and we have structured our support services accordingly. However, there are some things you will always need:

• An appropriate level of payment for doing the job-paid on time.
• 14 days paid holiday (respite) per year, so you can have a rest from fostering.
• Training in all aspects of looking after troubled children and specific opportunities to develop your skills and specialist interests.
• Regular workshops to keep your knowledge up to date.
• Phone calls and visits from your own social worker as regularly as needed
• Fortnightly supervision with your social worker – giving you special time to think about your role without interruptions.
• Monthly support meetings with a small group of like minded people and your social worker.
• Family outings and social events for all foster carers, all children in the family and staff, to make sure we stay one family.
• Support form Social Work Assistants when the going gets tough!
• Activities and groups for your Birth children to ensure they have an opportunity to talk to others in the same situation.
• Access to a social worker who knows about you and your placement, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Most importantly, the opportunity to be valued and recognised for the contribution you make to supporting children and to foster for a small, local, friendly and professional agency dedicated to working alongside you.

For more information, contact the recruitment team on 0845 607 6697 or complete an online enquiry form by clicking here.