Fostering could be just for you

Did you know there are several different types of fostering in Salford?

We have a diverse range of foster carers in Salford, but all share the same determination to help children from a single child to siblings, older children or younger children. Could you join them?

Short term care

Many children and young people only need foster care for a few weeks or months before returning to their family.

As a foster carer you’d work closely with their social workers and the child's family to contribute to a care plan.

Sometimes children need emergency care or existing foster carers or families need a planned break and we need foster carers to step in.

Long term foster care

Some children can’t return home but adoption is not appropriate.

That’s where long-term foster carers come in, providing a permanent, stable and loving home until adulthood and helping children stay in touch with their birth family if possible.

Focus fostering

Focus foster carers provide long-term care for children aged five to 18 who have more complex support needs.

Previous placements may have broken down and you’ll provide a stable and caring home along with patience and understanding as it may take time to win their trust. Some children will have learning difficulties and will need a lot of support.

Focus fostering can be demanding but is highly rewarding and you will receive full training to prepare you. You and your foster child will then have round the clock support from a team of professionals including regular meetings with the Focus team and other Focus foster carers who can share their experiences, ideas and offer help.

Focus foster carers receive an enhanced fostering allowance which recognises the task of caring for a child or young person with complex social and emotional behavioural difficulties.

To become a Focus foster carer, you will need:

• Some experience of working with or caring for children, young people or vulnerable adults.

• An adult in your household who will be available full time to care for the child and work closely with the Focus team.

• No other children under the age of 16 living in the household.

• A spare room for the child.

• A strong commitment to working in partnership with professionals in the best interests of the child.

To find out more visit www.salford.gov.uk/fostering and do something amazing to change a child’s life.