If you are thinking about becoming a foster carer, you have come to the right place. Foster carers are just like you and me, they are ordinary people performing extraordinary tasks. At HFS we know that looking after other peoples children can be challenging, we also know it can be very rewarding.

We need people from different backgrounds with different life experiences, to look after children from 0 to 18 years. You can choose the age range of the children you would like to look after, and we would be on hand to advise.

From your first contact, you will find us to be friendly, supportive and helpful. We know that some people will need help in understanding the fostering task, and that not everyone who enquires about becoming a foster carer will go on to become one.

We would rather help you reach the right decision early on in the process, even if that decision is not to proceed.

If we do proceed we would guide you through the process which usually takes about 5 months. We would help you to complete an application form and arrange for a social worker to visit you for an initial assessment, usually about 1hour. If the outcome is that we both want to proceed, we will start the full assessment.

As one of our foster carers you will be very well supported by our team and you will have your own supervising officer, who will visit you regularly to provide support. We also provide:

• High quality, comprehensive, preparatory and continuous training.
• Regular contact and visits from your supervising officer.
• Monthly foster carers support meetings.
• Access to 24 hour telephone advice and support.
• A week's paid respite every year.
• Support for children of foster carers.
• Membership of Fostering Network.
• Competitive fostering allowances.
• Festival and birthday allowances.
• Annual foster carer's outing.

If you are unclear about any of the above, please do not hesitate in contacting one of our staff.