Support Foster Carers
Support Foster Carers provide practical help and planned support for foster families, such as overnight stays or daytime assistance, to keep placements stable and children thriving.
What Do Support Foster Carers Do?
Support Foster Carers play a vital role in helping children and young people thrive while providing essential assistance to the main foster carers. This unique fostering role offers two types of care and support:
- Regular Overnight Support
Provide short-term overnight care for a child or children, usually for a few days or up to two weeks. This often happens during school holidays or weekends, giving main carers a well-deserved break. - Daytime Support
Offer time-limited help during the day for situations such as urgent family commitments, transport needs, or accompanying a young person to an activity. This support is especially valuable for children with disabilities, additional needs, or challenging behaviours.
Support Foster Carers are paid a daily rate based on skill level (For full details, use our Finance Calculator to download our Finance Brochure).
Why Are Support Foster Carers So Important?
Support Foster Carers play a crucial role in the fostering community. They:
- Give main foster carers a well-deserved break from their daily responsibilities, helping them recharge and continue providing excellent care.
- Provide practical help with transport when main carers face challenges getting a child to school, family time, or appointments.
- Create positive experiences for children and young people, offering new opportunities and activities that enrich their lives.
- Build trusted relationships with children, giving them another supportive adult they can rely on.
- Reduce placement moves and promote stability, ensuring children remain in safe, consistent environments.
- Are part of a wrap-around support network, working alongside carers, social workers, and professionals to meet each child’s needs.
- Offer consistent, long-term commitment, often caring for the same child regularly to provide continuity and security.
Types of Support Foster Carers Provide
- Regular overnight care as part of a child’s care plan.
- Assistance with transitions or reunification with birth family.
- Same-day support for school runs, health appointments, family time, or leisure activities.
- Emergency help to prevent unplanned placement disruptions.
Qualities Needed to Become a Support Foster Carer
- Energy and compassion
- Flexibility and patience
- Understanding and commitment
- A full driving licence
What We Provide for Support Foster Carers
- Daily Rate (Pro-Rata): Payment based on your skill level for agreed tasks (4–7.5 hours)
- Half-Day Rate: For up to 4 hours of support
- Overnight Stays: Includes a child maintenance allowance to cover day-to-day needs
- Mileage and Expenses: Reimbursed for eligible travel and agreed activities
- Training and Supervision: Ongoing professional development plus one-to-one support from a dedicated supervising social worker
- Membership to The Fostering Network: Access to independent advice, resources, and a national community of foster carers.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Support Foster Carers are essential in creating stability and positive experiences for children and young people. If you have the qualities and commitment to help, get in touch today and start your fostering journey.
Support Foster Carers FAQs
How often will I provide care?
Support can range from occasional daytime help to regular overnight stays for a few days or up to two weeks, depending on the child’s care plan and your availability.
What kind of children will I support?
You may care for children with disabilities, additional needs, or challenging behaviours. Your role helps reduce stress for main carers and promotes stability for the child.
Do I need previous fostering experience?
No. While experience is helpful, we provide full training, supervision, and 24-hour support to help you succeed in your role.
