Fostering in Bootle and Kirby

Children come into care at different stages of their lives and for many different reasons. Some need short-term care while their family circumstances change, while others may need longer-term support. What they all need is a trusted adult who can help them feel secure, valued and optimistic about the future.

At Action for Children Fostering, we're looking for foster carers across Bootle and Kirkby who can offer local children the chance to remain close to familiar schools, friendships and support networks. By fostering locally, you can help a child stay connected to the people and places that are important to them during a period of change.

You don't need to have all the answers or previous experience of fostering. We provide the guidance, training and support needed to help you develop into a confident foster carer. What matters most is your commitment to helping children succeed.

If you have a spare room and are ready to make a genuine difference, fostering could be the start of an incredible journey.

We know that being a foster carer involves dedication, flexibility and commitment. That's why we provide fostering payments that help support you while you provide a safe and nurturing home for a child.

Our fostering payments include both an allowance and a fee. The allowance is designed to contribute towards everyday costs such as food, clothing, travel and activities. The fee recognises the important role foster carers play in supporting children's development and wellbeing.

The level of payment will depend on the type of fostering you undertake and the specific needs of the child placed with you. Additional financial support may also be available for educational opportunities, birthdays, holidays and other experiences that contribute to a child's growth.

We want foster carers to feel financially supported so they can focus on creating positive experiences and helping children feel secure.

With practical support in place, foster carers can dedicate their time and energy to providing the care, encouragement and stability children need.

Fostering is a rewarding role, but having the right support around you is essential. That's why we provide ongoing guidance, practical help and professional advice throughout your fostering journey.

Every foster carer is allocated a dedicated supervising social worker who will be there to provide regular support, answer questions and help navigate any challenges that arise. We work closely with carers to ensure support remains personalised and responsive.

We also encourage foster carers to connect with others who understand the realities of fostering and can share valuable experiences and insights.

Foster carers can access:

• Dedicated support from a supervising social worker
• Regular supervision and review meetings
• Foster carer support groups
• Peer support and networking opportunities
• Access to specialist advice and services
• Out-of-hours support whenever needed

Many carers find that becoming part of a fostering community is one of the most valuable aspects of the role. Learning from others and sharing experiences can provide reassurance, confidence and encouragement.

Our commitment is to ensure foster carers never feel alone and always have access to the support they need.

Supporting children and young people requires knowledge, confidence and a willingness to keep learning. That's why we provide a comprehensive programme of training designed to help foster carers feel prepared and supported.

Training begins before approval and continues throughout your fostering career. Every course is free of charge and focuses on helping carers understand children's needs and develop practical skills.

Skills to Foster

This introductory programme provides a foundation for fostering, covering child development, communication, attachment, safeguarding and understanding the experiences of children in care.

Therapeutic Parenting

Many children entering foster care have experienced loss, trauma or disruption. This training helps carers understand how these experiences may affect behaviour and introduces supportive approaches that promote emotional wellbeing and resilience.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding training covers child protection, online safety, physical and emotional wellbeing and recognising situations where additional support may be required.

Ongoing Learning and Development

As you gain experience, you'll have access to further training opportunities that help develop specialist skills and build confidence in supporting children with a range of needs.

Our training programme is designed to help foster carers provide safe, stable and nurturing homes where children can flourish.

Many people are surprised to learn that fostering is open to people from all kinds of backgrounds and circumstances.

In general, you may be able to foster if you:

• Are over 21 years old
• Have a spare bedroom available
• Have the right to live and work in the UK
• Can provide a safe and supportive home environment

We welcome enquiries from:

• Single people
• Couples and partners
• Parents and non-parents
• Homeowners and tenants
• Working professionals
• Retired individuals
• People from all cultures and faiths
• Members of the LGBTQ+ community
• People living with disabilities

There is no single profile of a successful foster carer. Children need different types of homes, experiences and role models, which is why diversity is so important within fostering.

The qualities we value most are compassion, patience, resilience and a genuine desire to help children achieve their potential.

By becoming a foster carer in Bootle and Kirkby, you could provide a child with the support, stability and opportunities they need to build confidence and create a brighter future.

Contact our fostering team today to find out more about fostering in Bootle and Kirkby and discover how you could make a lasting difference to a child's life.