By fostering with St Helens Council, you’ll be making a difference to the most vulnerable children and young people from your local area.
Foster carers work in partnership with the team around the child in their care, and by becoming a foster carer with St Helens you’ll benefit from working directly with this team, including the child’s Social Worker, education and health professionals, resulting in better communication, support and outcomes for our children.
In St Helens we pride ourselves on the supportive, encouraging and understanding relationships between our fostering team, foster carers and children. Close relationships are crucial to successful fostering, they build trust and respect and allow for open communication which is imperative when caring
for vulnerable children. With support through advice and guidance from your Supervising Social Worker, to the extensive, local training we offer, we ensure you feel confident and well equipped to undertake the amazing role that is fostering.
"The best thing about being a foster carer for St Helens Council is the amazing support we receive from our Supervising Social Worker. She's always there to help and nothing is too much trouble. The training is brilliant too, you learn so much and along with the support you receive you always feel confident in undertaking your role as a foster carer. Fostering has made a massive difference in mine and my husband's life. We feel blessed to be able to give a child another chance in life. It's truly rewarding in many ways!"
Carla and Terry, St Helen’s Foster Carers
Being a Foster Carer is hugely rewarding on many levels, but it also takes lots of practical provision to make it possible. We’ve always been proud to offer our carers incentives that go above and beyond.
We offer:
Foster Carer ID Badges for all carers
Six weekly Support Groups
Quality training including Therapeutic Parenting approaches
Buddy System for new carers or carers who need some extra support
Membership to The Fostering Network
Regular activity days, celebration events and award ceremonies to socialise and celebrate the achievements of children and carers
Discounts at local Council leisure centres
Monthly newsletter to all carers
Blue Light discount card
All the equipment you will need such as car seats, prams and bedroom furniture
Skills Level Allowance system to enable those who wish to progress and develop, to be rewarded
Free tickers to St Helens RLFC home games at the Totally Wicked Stadium
Foster Carer Champion role for those who may wish to support the team with training, events and support
Opportunity to benefit from our superb community and local business relationships, such as pantomimes, shows and other events
Dedicated Facebook, Instagram and website to provide updates on news and events
Refer a Friend Scheme and for each successful approval, you will receive £500
Town centre location with good transport links and nearby community services
Our committed support is evidenced by our strong professional relationships with our foster carers and high retention rate. We have many carers who have been with us for 10, 20, 30+ years and we offer support that is both practical and emotional to ensure you are well equipped to undertake the fostering role and know you are never on your own.
We offer: