Independent Fostering Agencies play an important role in the ongoing search for new foster carers. With over 20 years of experience in foster care, we are the largest independent UK fostering agency and have the largest community of foster parents. These will be: care leavers, children and young people for whom adoption is planned, children who are the subject of a child protection plan (CPP), children and young people with complex special educational needs, children and young people with complex disabilities or complex health needs, young offenders involved with youth justice services – both community and custodial and children and young people diagnosed with significant mental health problems. Published 11 November 2014 Brexit Gummer is far from alone in believing that independent fostering agencies (IFAs) can better look after carers than local authorities. It takes around 4-6 months to become a foster parent. There are a number of differences between fostering with an independent foster care agency and fostering with your local authority, and deciding which is right for you is an important step in your journey. As well as 24/7/365 support from social workers, we connect you to group meetings, online services and a wide range of activities with other local foster parents. Being an independent fostering agency is vitally important to us. We have carers who open their hearts and homes – always working to create the best outcomes for the children and young people in their care. Independent fostering agencies (IFAs) started operating in the early 1990s as a result in a shortfall of foster homes being provided by local authorities who were at the time struggling to recruit and retain foster parents. Specialist Fostering requiring therapeutic care, parental conflict or lack of parental control/support/boundaries, post sixteen – disengagement from education, training or employment, ill health, poor nutrition, lack of medical/dental care, neglect – poor personal care and inadequate clothing, experiencing/witnessing domestic violence. Phoenix is a small, friendly, independent fostering agency based in the West Midlands. Rainbow. You'll join an entire network of support. If you are thinking of fostering, you may be analysing whether to foster with your local authority or whether to choose on of the independent fostering agency. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The main functions of an independent fostering agency are to recruit, assess, approve, train, support, supervise and review foster carers who will then be put forward to look after children local authorities are responsible for. Page 1 of 229 jobs. The Independent Fostering Agency in London. Find your local office by selecting your region below. Across the country, we provide foster care services to local authorities, working with them to secure high quality foster care to children and young people in need. She has worked in fostering and adoption services for over 17 years. These are children and young people seeking a home who have often not had the best start in life. Sort by: relevance - date. When you're ready to progress, there's a standard application and assessment process that you'll need to go through to become an approved foster parent, including home visits, background checks and references, training and attending a fostering panel. Indeed may be compensated by these employers, helping keep Indeed free for jobseekers. The agency needs to provide the targeted support to meet these. Independent fostering agencies like our home of fostering in Nottingham is managed and staffed by highly qualified practitioners with extensive experience in fostering, management, social care and therapy. Fusion Fostering is an independent fostering agency with offices across the South West, South Central, South East, North West plus the East and West Midlands. Learn more about our training programme. The role of an independent fostering agency in meeting specific challenges. Talawa Fostering Services is a forward-thinking independent fostering agency based in Enfield, we work hard to maintain high standards and deliver best Foster Care practice.. Find out more about us We are always looking for new foster carers from all backgrounds; together we can make a … Find out how much you could receive using our allowance calculator. We offer many different types of fostering so we can continue to meet the ever-changing needs of children and young people in foster care. An independent fostering agency will be an integral part of The Team around the child (TAC). We work with local authorities across England and Scotland, and receive hundreds of referrals every day. It's also worth reading our. Our Vision. Because of this, The role of Independent Fostering Agencies is important as they concentrate exclusively on fostering relieving pressure on local authorities. It's also worth reading our privacy policy and cookies policy so you understand how we collect and use your personal data. MyLadyAnita Sat 17-May-14 22:33:42. Required fields are marked *. The agencies then provide the support and training to guide new applicants from initial enquiry through to being approved as foster carers. Put very simply, the role of an independent fostering agency is to find foster homes for local authority ‘looked after children’. Why foster with an Independent Fostering Agency (IFA)? Indeed ranks Job Ads based on a combination of employer bids and relevance, such as your search terms and other activity on Indeed. Find your nearest office location from the list below to discover how to contact us and meet your local team! Foster care Parent and Child a personal memory 2, Your email address will not be published. Registered Manager - Independent Fostering Agency - Homebased Jobs in Somerset: A Large Independent Fostering Agency is looking for a Registered Manager for a newly created regional office to be Homebased but cover the Bristol, Wiltshire This is an office-Based, full-time, and permanent position although there will be flexibility. Copyright 2020 Fosterplus Ltd. All rights reserved. Local Authority experience is welcome. All Rights Reserved. Find contact details for your local office team. At Fostering People we only focus on fostering, as such we have become specialists in this field and … When you start your fostering journey, one of the first things you may consider is whether to foster through an independent foster care agency or through your local authority. Providers and managers need also to demonstrate that they have taken into account the national minimum standards for fostering services; as well as the Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations Volume 4: Fostering Services*, *Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations Volume 4: Fostering Services, Department for Education, 2013; www.gov.uk/government/publications/children-act-1989-fostering-services, Functions of an independent fostering agency, The main functions of an independent fostering agency are to recruit, assess, approve, train, support, supervise and review foster carers who will then be put forward to look after children local authorities are responsible for. What are the different types of fostering? We are a dynamic fostering agency set up and run by two experienced social workers with over 25 years of combined fostering experience. No two independent fostering agencies are the same. These increased rates reflect the age of children and recognise the … By enabling our carers to reach their full potential, our young people can reach theirs. An independent fostering agency will work in close partnership with a local authority who will provide them with referrals for children and young people. Ready to take your first step into fostering? Their behaviour can be challenging, but providing them with support and stability can enable them to flourish. Such needs may cover areas that include education, health or social welfare. A growing number of foster agencies are owned by private equity companies with the sole aim of making money. Your email address will not be published. When you join Family Fostering Partners you benefit from a community approach, and round the clock support. Careful, considered matching is key, and over many years' experience, we've developed an outstanding reputation for quality matching and excellent outcomes for children in care. A Large Independent Fostering Agency is looking for a Registered Manager for a newly created regional office to be Homebased but cover the Bristol, Wiltshire, and North Somerset region.As the Registered Manager, you will be accountable for the operational, regulatory, and financial performance of the region.This role is a full-time, home-based, and permanent position. Wherever possible, this will also include initial introductions between the child and family. Therefore, independent fostering agencies in the UK work hard to recruit, train and support foster parents to be able to care for these young people and provide them with the enjoyable childhood they deserve. Ongoing throughout your career, our training covers a wide range of courses, including specialist areas to develop your knowledge and fostering skills. Our dedicated referrals team review each referral and identify any foster families who could meet the child's needs. Please make sure you read our terms and conditions because you're agreeing to them by submitting an enquiry. Finding enough good quality foster parents to care for the rising number of looked after children is an ongoing challenge for local authorities, and one that they’re unable to accomplish alone; particularly for older children, siblings and young people with disabilities, where it's generally a little more difficult to find suitable foster homes. Eastern Fostering Services, as a small, independent fostering agency, were disappointed to find that the independent providers were yet again vilified as cash counting mercenaries who are only working in the fostering sector for financial gain. One of our team is available to talk to you over the phone to answer any of your fostering queries. We'll speak to you about the role, take a few details and answer any of your questions. We are registered, approved, regulated and inspected by Ofsted. Some of the main differences include; Whether you’re experienced or new to fostering, our fostering service provides continuous support and training, giving you everything you need to make a real difference to children in the care system. Independent Fostering Agencies (IFAs) An independent fostering agency is a voluntary or private organisation that works closely with local authorities to meet the high demands placed on care services. Part of National Fostering Group, we have good UK coverage and a friendly, family feel. The first step is to have a chat with one of our friendly advisors - either complete our online form or give us a call on 0800 369 8512. Each agency will have its own distinct philosophy and ‘culture’. You can find out more about each step below. Get in touch Learn More. Displayed here are job ads that match your query. They came into being as local authorities could not keep pace with the demand for foster homes for children in the care system. This guide explains to those who want to open or manage an independent fostering agency what they must understand and prove to be registered with Ofsted. This has never been our intention, and never will be. This can often be shorter if you're already fostering and looking to transfer to a different fostering agency. UK fostering at its best. Functions of an independent fostering agency. They all share the same objective – to find lasting and permanent foster homes for children and young people. Founded in 1999, with a vision to improve the training and support of foster carers. This includes regular supervision with your dedicated supervising social worker, support groups, a first-class training programme delivered locally and access to 121 support for the young people in your care. An independent fostering agency, like Greater London Fostering, exists to fill the gaps that local authorities cannot. Independent Fostering Agencies (IFAs) have been in existence for over two decades providing fostering solutions. We offer a very generous allowance that covers the cost of caring for a child and … Independent fostering agencies work closely with local authorities to meet the heavy demands placed on care services, which could become overwhelming without this support. **The Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011, Regulation 3 (1); www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2011/581/regulation/3/made. FCA is an independent fostering agency (IFA) and we work very closely with local authorities to find suitable foster carers for children within their care when they are unable to place a child with one of their own approved foster parents. When a child comes into foster care, the local authority becomes responsible for their health, safety and wellbeing, and while local authorities have their own 'pool' of foster parents, sadly they generally don't have enough to cope with the rising number of children needing a foster home. In the UK, there is currently a shortage of over 9,000 foster families. Fostering with an Independent Fostering Agency can provide you with many benefits; these are often linked to the relationship that is shared between a foster carer and the agency. We ’ re always happy for you to pop-in and chat in every aspect what! Dedicated referrals team review each referral and identify any foster families who meet. 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