Fostering in Birmingham
Children and young people in Birmingham come into care for lots of different reasons. It could be due to family breakdowns, or an illness. However, the main reason why young people enter the care system is because of some form of neglect or even abuse. TACT are recruiting foster carers in Birmingham in order to provide these young people with care and guidance – to help them recover from any previous trauma they may have experienced. If this sounds like something that you could do, you could join our Fostering Birmingham Team!
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Can I foster in Birmingham?
You don’t need any previous experience to start fostering in Birmingham. To proceed with an application, you would need to meet this initial criteria:
- To be over 21 years old (there is no upper age limit)
- To have at least one spare bedroom
- To be a full-time resident in the UK or have indefinite leave to remain
You would also need the time and flexibility to dedicate yourself to fostering. Good written and spoken English is essential, as you would be required to work with other professionals, and provide written records detailing the progress of any young people in your care.
Full Training
You don’t need any prior experience or qualifications to become a foster carer.
We provide comprehensive training to help you feel confident and fully prepared to welcome children into your home. This training is facilitated both online and in person.
As part of the assessment process, you’ll complete an introductory course called Skills to Foster. This short online program offers a general introduction to fostering and gives you the chance to ask any questions you may have.
After being approved as a TACT foster carer, you’ll have access to a wide range of training opportunities designed to enhance your skills and equip you to support children and young people in Birmingham.
We also offer specialised training to help you care for children with specific needs or challenges.
24/7 Support
At TACT, we understand the importance of having reliable, round-the-clock support as a foster carer. That’s why we reinvest all surplus funds into improving our services, ensuring help is always available whenever you need it.
As a TACT foster carer, you’ll be supported by a dedicated Supervising Social Worker with a manageable caseload, enabling them to provide personalised guidance and assistance to help you make a lasting difference in children’s lives.
This is what we provide:
- Full 24/7 support. Your Supervising Social Worker will be your primary contact, with an out-of-hours service always on hand for advice and assistance.
- Foster carer portal. An easy-to-use online platform offering access to vital information, training, resources, and guidance throughout your fostering journey.
- Education service. A specialised team focused on helping children in your care achieve their full educational potential through tailored support.
- Health service. Regular assessments to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of the children you care for.
- Support groups. Local groups in Birmingham and surrounding areas where you can connect with other foster carers, share experiences, and build a supportive community.
- Support for young people. Our Children’s Wellbeing Practitioners organise activities, events, and resources to enrich the lives of the children in your care.
- Supporting your own children. We recognise the important role your own children play in fostering. Through our Children Who Foster events, they can connect with peers and share their experiences.
- Peer support. Whenever possible, experienced TACT foster carers are available to offer practical advice, encouragement, and peer-to-peer support for new carers.
Our TACTIC Clinics
For each young person that comes to live with one of our foster carers, we arrange an attachment clinic to help identify any specific support that the child may need. A support and training package for both the foster carer and young person is then be developed, and is suited to everyone’s individual needs.
Each month, TACT West Midlands also operates a ‘TACTIC clinic’ – which provides the fostering household and other professionals the chance to reflect upon a young person’s journey so far, along with their current needs. This enables the foster carer to offer the child attuned care which supports the development of healthy secure relationships, and provides the opportunity for recovery from early year’s adversity.
Our TACTIC Clinics promote long term stability and well-being for our young people.
Pay & Allowances
Foster carers are skilled professionals, and our fees and allowances recognise the vital role they play in changing children’s lives.
In partnership with Birmingham City Council, we receive funding to support the care of children and young people in the community. This funding enables us to deliver outstanding services and robust support to our foster carers.
The fostering allowance you receive will vary based on factors such as the type of care you provide, the number and ages of the children in your care, and the complexity of their individual needs.
There are also payments for children’s birthdays, holidays and religious festivals. We also pay long service awards and a Refer a Friend fee (if you recommend someone who then goes on to be an approved foster carer with us).
Below, you can find examples of the weekly Fostering Birmingham payments you could receive when a young person is placed in your care:
Meet The Area Manager
“I’ve had the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with foster carers who are passionate about helping children and young people to reach their potential. Together, we make sure that every carer and child feels supported, valued, and truly part of the team. I take great pride in creating opportunities for children to grow, knowing that every success is a shared achievement across our team.”
Diane Green – TACT Area Manager West Midlands
Diane first joined the team as an interim manager and returned in 2021, drawn to TACT’s not-for-profit values.
Rated ‘Good’ By Ofsted
Following an inspection in July 2023, Ofsted have announced that TACT West Midlands has been rated ‘Good’ for its work with foster carers and looked after children.
“Staff and foster carers work effectively and in close partnership. Children make good progress from their starting points. This is because of the excellent care that they receive from their foster carers and the agency support network around them.” – Ofsted 2023
What Our Foster Carers Say
“TACT were recommended to us by a friend who had previously fostered with them. Staff at TACT have been very knowledgeable and always willing to help.”
Cath & Kenny – TACT Foster Carers since 2011
Fostering Information Events
- March 3, 2025
- Birmingham, West Midlands,
- Time: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Birmingham Fostering Information Event
TACT West Midlands are hosting a Fostering Information Session at the RCNi Birmingham Nursing Careers & Jobs Fair on Monday 3rd March between 9.30am – 4pm.
Start Your Fostering Journey
