Considering foster care?
You’re in the right place! Learn more about becoming a foster carer here.
Foster carers transform the lives of foster children every single day
If you can make a difference to just one life, you will have changed the world for the better. As a foster carer, you will turn your spare room into a magical space, helping to heal a child and set them up for a successful, happy life.
Unfortunately, in the UK, there are 1000s of children looking for a home, with a shortage of foster carers, we need families to come forward and change a child’s life. Will you make a difference?
Click the images to the right to learn about why people choose to foster.
By becoming a foster carer, you can truly help a child who needs you.
Benefits to new foster carers
Why foster through CAF
24-hour support
We operate a 24-hour support line, meaning you can call at any time and talk to one of our friendly experienced social workers. Whether you need advice or reassurance, we’re here.
Dedicated support worker
Every child 5 and over is assigned their own dedicated youth support worker. It’s their job to ensure you have everything you need, and to help out wherever possible.
Regular youth events
We’re one of only a small number of fostering agencies in the UK who have a focus on youth events. We regularly run fun days for children and fostering families to come together, as well as our incredible Youth Club, and annual camping trip
Allowances & fees
We offer one of the most generous compensation packages in the UK, focusing on the welfare of the child and the family.
Our Services
We offer a broad range of fostering support services, ensuring that our foster carers have everything they need to thrive in the role.
Youth Team
Our youth team sit at the core of CAF. We run regular events for foster families to attend, as well as 1-2-1 activities with your foster child to help broaden their horizons.
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Financial Support
Our financial support team are here when you need them. From accountancy funding and support through to ongoing financial advice, we’re here.
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Therapeutic Approach
We’re big advocates of a therapeutic parenting approach. We offer extensive training and support for foster carers to adopt this style of care.
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Training
We run a broad selection of both mandatory and elective training courses. All of our courses run during the academic year (no training in the holidays!).
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Placement & Matching
We can support you through the entire assessment and placement process. It’s our job to match you with a child that’s a perfect fit for your home.
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Specialised Care
Some children have specialised needs. We can help you to meet their needs, or provide assistance in a variety of ways to keep the child happy and healthy.
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Start the conversation – let’s talk
We’re here to answer any questions you may have about foster care
Thoughts of our Children Always First carers
I worked for Children Always First for 18 months. In that time, I witnessed excellence, passion and care from every member of the staff team. My time with CAF was a privilege I am honoured to have had. The team are dedicated to supporting carers and meeting the needs of the young people. I would highly recommend Children Always First as a foster agency.
Fantastic foster care agency. I have had 5 positive years with CAF. Great training and amazing children and young people.
Fantastic family feel fostering agency, amazing support and training. Highly recommended for anyone who fosters or is thinking of becoming a foster carer.
A family led foster agency that goes above and beyond in providing the highest level of therapeutic support and guidance to the foster carers and the young people that are placed into their care. Joining this agency was the best decision we ever made!
I have been a supervising social worker at CAF for over a year now and have really enjoyed my journey here so far. I feel the therapeutic support we can offer the foster carers ranks us very high in terms of the quality we can deliver and the youth service ensures that children get a fantastic level of support, not just emotionally but socially.
Children Always First are a genuine, family-feel agency with a passion for providing quality support and positive outcomes for its children, young people and foster carers. If interested in fostering and being part of an agency where your voice is truly heard and valued, then get in touch with Children Always First!
Keep up to date with CAF!
Find the latest fostering news here.
Whether you’re looking for fostering tips, or you want to know what’s going on, this is the space for you!
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Fostering Allowances Uncovered: How Much are Foster Carers Paid?
Becoming a foster carer is a hugely rewarding role that can have a significant impact on the life of a vulnerable child. However, before deciding to foster, it’s important to consider practical aspects, such as…
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What is Therapeutic Parenting and How Can Foster Carers Put it into Practice?
Raising a foster child can be like navigating a maze – one full of surprising twists, turns and challenges. Every foster child has different, often traumatic, experiences that can lead to the development of attachment issues and challenging behaviours.
Find out more
What is a Form F assessment and how can you prepare for it?
Much like applying for a regular job, becoming a foster care requires approval from fostering organisations. In this blog, we will explore what the Form F assessment entails and key considerations to help you prepare for it.
Find out more
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be a single foster parent?
Yes, you can absolutely be a single foster parent! We welcome single individuals who have the passion and commitment to provide a stable and loving home for children in need.
Can foster families have pets?
Yes, foster families can have pets. Pets can provide comfort and companionship to foster children, but we will need to ensure they are safe and suitable for a fostering environment.
Can you foster and work full time?
Yes, you can foster and work full time, but it’s important to have a flexible job and a strong support network to ensure you can meet the needs of the foster child. Each situation is unique, so we work with you to find the best balance.
How will fostering affect my family?
Fostering can bring new dynamics and challenges to your family, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Open communication and support from everyone involved are key to making it a positive experience. We provide training and resources to help your family adjust and thrive.
