Fostering in wALSALL
As a foster carer in Walsall, you could make a difference to children’s lives in lots of different ways. This is because young people come into care for different reasons – including a long term illness affecting their parent(s) 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 Walsall in order to provide these young people with safe and caring homes. If this sounds like something that you could do, you could join our Fostering Walsall Team!
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Can I foster in Walsall?
You don’t need any previous experience to start fostering in Walsall. 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 offer thorough training to ensure you feel confident and 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 brief course provides an overview of fostering and offers the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
Once approved as a TACT foster carer, you’ll gain access to a variety of training programs designed to enhance your skills in supporting children and young people in Walsall.
We also offer specialised training to assist you in caring for children with specific needs or challenges.
24/7 Support
At TACT, we understand the importance of reliable, around-the-clock support for foster carers. That’s why we reinvest any surplus funds into enhancing our services, ensuring that help is always available when you need it.
As a TACT foster carer, you’ll receive ongoing support from a dedicated Supervising Social Worker with a manageable caseload, allowing for personalised guidance that helps you make a meaningful impact on the lives of children.
This is what we provide:
- Full 24/7 support. Your Supervising Social Worker will be your primary point of contact, and an out-of-hours service is available to provide advice and support whenever needed.
- Foster carer portal. A user-friendly online platform offering easy access to vital 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 personalised support.
- Health service. Regular assessments to monitor and ensure the physical and emotional well-being of the children in your care.
- Support groups. Local groups in Walsall and surrounding areas where you can connect with other foster carers, share experiences, and build a strong support network.
- 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 connect with others and share their experiences.
- Peer support. Experienced TACT foster carers are available to offer practical advice, encouragement, and peer-to-peer support 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 assessment, 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 holds 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 enables foster carers to provide responsive and compassionate care, fostering secure and healthy relationships while supporting the young person’s recovery from early-life challenges.
Our TACTIC Clinics play a crucial role in promoting 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 important role they play in changing the lives of children and young people.
In partnership with Walsall Council, we receive funding to support the care of children within the community. This funding enables us to provide outstanding services and offer extensive 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 Walsall 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
“I did some research and we liked TACT due to its charity status. I then read some very interesting articles written by the Chief Executive, and felt that he had a real passion for improving children’s services. He had also been a foster carer himself, and so we felt that he would have a good understanding of carers needs.”
Jane & Ruth – TACT Foster Carers since 2016
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
