Fostering in Lancashire IFA/LA what's your experiences and advice?

[northernlites]

Hi, just that really.
I'm looking at fostering, would be leaving current role in a caring profession and need to logistically look at best or right options and could do with your advice.
What are your experiences with the LA?
What local/national IFA's are reputable and provide good support?
Which IFA's should I look at?
Anything else?
Please help! 😊

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Bumping for you as I'm following with interest

Following

Let's hope someone comes along soon to advise 😀

Bump bump

Think you would get a mixture of opinions. Would contact Manchester LA are the largest in your area are a consortium of LA's for Greater Manchester which support each other, including Adoption and After Care. Looking for short break carers taking children with disability's I believe. Would enquire, find out what areas of fostering they provide. Would think your LA would be similar. Must not forget IFA's children are represented by LA's who would always would be responsible. LA's would always place a child inhouse where possible using their own Foster Carer's as preferred placement.

There are some really good quality IFAs in Lancashire that are definitely worth a look. There are pros and cons to different services depending on what you’re looking for. Providing that you meet the basic criteria all IFAs and the LA should be willing to offer you a visit to discuss their service and your circumstances - if you prepare well for these they’ll really help you. It would be worth considering what type of fostering you’re interested in - ie respite/short term/emergency/long term/ specialist/ siblings and the age range that will work with your family (but be open to advice and guidance also) then ask specific questions that will help you better understand what referrals the agency gets if you’re considering IFAs. As all LAs in the northwest are on specific contracts I’d ask any IFA what tier provider they are on and wouldn’t consider anything below teir 1. I’d bear in mind that there is a lot of competition for new foster carers so anyone representing their service will be keen to get suitable candidates on bored so part of their role is to sell the service to you. If you look at ofsted reports this will help you get a more objective view and you can always ask the service if you could speak to a current foster care after your visit with someone from the service if you feel this would help you understand the carer experience. I hope this help :)

Hi,

We foster in Lancashire. If you would like to message me any questions you have and i will be more than happy to help (grin)