Fostering Support
Supporting Foster Families for over 30 Years
As the UK’s largest dedicated fostering charity, we have over 30 years’ experience in providing fostering support to our foster carers. We have a network of social workers and support staff across England, Scotland and Wales that ensure our support for foster families is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
That is just one of the reasons why 98% of our carers would recommend us to others thinking of fostering.
We understand that the level of support you receive directly impacts on your confidence as a foster carer.
We’re not just an organisation, we’re a community,
Our unrivalled support for foster families means you will never feel alone. We acknowledge that fostering, while immensely rewarding, can also present its challenges. As a TACT foster carer, you can rest assured that you will receive exceptional fostering support at every step of your fostering journey.
support for our foster carers
24/7 Support
Unlike many Local Authorities and Independent Fostering Agencies, we understand the importance of round the clock local support and advice, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your Supervising Social Worker will usually provide all the support you need, but we also have a dedicated out-of-hours support service for total peace of mind, so you are never alone.
Support Groups
Our support groups operate all over the country, and provide you with a local outlet to meet other carers in your area, share experiences and knowledge, and even make new friends!
Foster Carer Portal
Online community of TACT foster carers and a place to find important information, advice, training and other resources to help you with your day-to-day life as a foster carer.
Therapeutic Support
We provide foster carers with a package of support that is underpinned with a therapeutic approach. You will have the opportunity to access training and support from our Consultant Psychologist.
Support for Young People
Our Children’s Resource Workers provide the children in your care with additional support, regular activities and events.
Supporting Your Own Children
We understand that your own children play an important role in the fostering household. As such, our Children Who Foster events provide your own children with an opportunity to socialise with other young people who make an amazing contribution to fostering. In addition to this we provide specialist one-to-one support for birth children through our Children Resource Workers.
TACT Connect Community
Offering a safe place for those who are care experienced to return to, throughout their journey into adulthood and beyond. TACT Connect is a social space for regular virtual meetups and events, and a resource base full of opportunities, blogs, advice and regular freebies.
Financial Support
Outside of the competitive fees and allowances we pay to help financially with caring for a child or young person, we offer financial wellbeing support.
Wellbeing Perks
An unrivalled wellbeing package for our foster carers so they can access a range of services, that can help you with financial wellbeing, mental health, physical health, self-care and mindfulness and more. You’ll also be eligible for a Blue Light Card, giving you access to lots of fantastic money saving offers and discounts. Plus we will refund the cost of signing up!
Training & Resources
Ongoing access to a comprehensive training and development programme, and TACT’s foster carer portal which hosts a variety of resources to support you in your fostering role. We also provide access to research and practical resources from Research In Practice, helpful resources from Coram BAAF, plus join The Fostering Network and we’ll pay your membership fee.
Support with Education
Our specialist Education Service provides support and advice to help ensure that the children in your care receive the best possible educational opportunities. This includes but is not limited to:
- Challenging all permanent exclusions, averting exclusions and reducing fixed term exclusions.
- Attending PEPs, liaising regarding Pupil Premium Grants and discussing education matters with Schools and Virtual Schools.
- Offering advice to carers and SSWs prior to PEPs, EHCP reviews and re-integration meetings
- Providing information on educational matters, including additional support and ensuring young people receive their educational entitlement. Offering training on a range of topics including trauma informed education, PEPs, PPG, Phonics screening and EHCPs.
“There is always someone at the end of the phone 24/7. We get regular calls, visits and out of hours support if necessary. It’s so comforting to know that there is always someone at the end of the phone 24/7 to assist us with any problems we may encounter.”
Marian – TACT Foster Carer since 2020
Start Your Fostering Journey
