How to choose the right fostering agency for you
If you’ve decided to become a foster carer and make a difference to a child in need of safety and security, then you probably already know that there are a wide range of fostering agencies out there in London, Kent, Surrey, and East Sussex.
So, how do you choose the right foster care agency for you and your household?
Do your research on which foster agency is right for you
- Look online, read testimonials and talk to other foster carers.
- Look at a foster care agency’s ethos, and what they say about themselves. Check out the types of foster care they specialise in, whether that’s long-term, respite or emergency fostering, caring for sanctuary-seeking children, and so on.
- Make a shortlist of foster agencies that seem to fit the bill.
- Are they a profit-making fostering agency? Or are they a non-profit agency that won’t be distracted by shareholder demands?
Get in touch to discuss fostering
Once you have your shortlist, contact your chosen foster care agencies, talk to them on the phone and arrange a meeting with social worker.
Be completely honest with the fostering agency representatives about your reasons for wanting to become a foster carer, your family situation and anything else that you feel is relevant.
Ask questions about the fostering agency
You will probably have a lot of questions to ask the fostering agency, but here are a few ideas to get you started. You might want to know:
- How big is your fostering agency?
- What’s your ratio of staff to foster carers?
- How soon might I receive my first foster placement?
- How is your foster care training delivered?
- How much fostering allowance do you pay per child?
Not-for-profit foster care agencies
When you are considering your choice of fostering agency, you’ll see that some independent agencies, like Diagrama Fostering, are run as not-for-profit fostering agencies.
These agencies make a great choice for most prospective foster carers, as they have significant benefits thanks to the not-for-profit model.
Not-for-profit fostering agencies will reinvest any surplus funds generated through their service back into improving the care and support they provide, rather than the funds being channelled out of the service to shareholders.
Chat to Diagrama about becoming a foster carer
Diagrama is a not-for-profit fostering agency. We reinvest in improving our practices so that we are always providing the optimum support to our families and children. Book a 30-minute chat with one of our friendly social workers today. Click here to speak to our team or download our handy information booklet here.