Fostering in Solihull
Each week, hundreds of children and young people in Solihull come into care, for a number of different reasons. It could be because of a long term illness, or conflicts within the family. Sadly, the most common reason why children come into care is because of neglect, abuse – or even both. TACT are recruiting foster carers in Solihull in order to provide these children with safe and caring homes. If this sounds like something that you could do, you could join our Fostering Solihull team!
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Can I foster in Solihull?
You don’t need any previous experience to start fostering in Solihull. 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
No previous experience or qualifications are required to become a foster carer.
We provide thorough training to help you feel confident and prepared to welcome children into your home. This training is delivered both online and in-person.
As part of the assessment, you will complete an introductory course called Skills to Foster. This brief online course offers a general introduction to fostering and provides an opportunity to ask any questions.
Once you’re approved as a TACT foster carer, you’ll have access to various training programs designed to enhance your skills in supporting children and young people in Solihull.
Additionally, we offer specialised training to support you in caring for children with specific needs or challenges.
24/7 Support
At TACT, we understand how vital it is for foster carers to have reliable, round-the-clock support. That’s why we reinvest all surplus funds to continually improve our services, ensuring help is always available when you need it.
As a TACT foster carer, you will receive ongoing support from a dedicated Supervising Social Worker with a manageable caseload, allowing for tailored guidance that will help you make a lasting impact in the lives of children.
This is what we provide:
- Full 24/7 support. Your Supervising Social Worker will be your main point of contact, with an out-of-hours service available to offer advice and assistance whenever needed.
- Foster carer portal. A user-friendly online platform that gives you access to key information, training, resources, and support throughout your fostering journey.
- Education service. A dedicated team focused on helping the children in your care reach their full educational potential through tailored support.
- Health service. Regular assessments to monitor and ensure the physical and emotional wellbeing of the children you care for.
- Support groups. Local groups in Solihull 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 enhance the lives of the children in your care.
- Supporting your own children. Recognising the important role your children play in fostering, we offer Children Who Foster events where they can meet others and share their experiences.
- Peer support. Experienced TACT foster carers are available to offer practical advice, encouragement, and peer-to-peer guidance to new carers.
Our TACTIC Clinics
When a young person is placed with one of our foster carers, we arrange an attachment clinic to assess their needs and identify any specific support they may require. Following this evaluation, we develop a personalised support and training plan that addresses the unique needs of both the foster carer and the young person.
Additionally, TACT West Midlands organises a monthly TACTIC Clinic. These clinics offer foster families and professionals a dedicated space to review the young person’s progress and current needs. This collaborative approach helps foster carers provide responsive and sensitive care, fostering secure and healthy relationships while supporting the young person’s recovery from early-life challenges.
Our TACTIC Clinics play a key role in ensuring long-term stability and well-being for the young people in our care.
Pay & Allowances
Foster carers are skilled professionals, and our fees and allowances reflect the vital role they play in changing the lives of children and young people.
In partnership with Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, we receive funding to support the care of children within the community. This funding enables us to provide outstanding services and offer thorough 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 Solihull 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
“We liked the fact that TACT were a charity. We’ve found TACT to be such a supportive agency since we joined – the training we’ve undertaken so far has been informative, but delivered with a sense of humour. We’ve also received regular supervision, phone calls and emails. Whenever we have needed support or a query answering, TACT have come to our assistance.”
Bev & Mac – TACT Foster Carers since 2017
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
