Support for foster carers

All foster carers have support from an allocated Social Worker from the Fostering Team known as a Supervising Social Worker. 

The role of your Supervising Social Worker is to supervise and support you when children and young people are in your care. You will see your Social Worker at least every six weeks or more often if required. You will have regular telephone and email contact with them and they will also accompany you to meetings or attend them on your behalf. You will also receive support from the child or young person’s Social Worker and our team of support workers.

Fostering

Outside of office hours the Emergency Duty Team can be contacted by phone. This service is available whenever the main office is closed.

 

Mockingbird

We are delighted to be able to offer carers even more support with the launch of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Mockingbird programme.

The Council, in conjunction with The Fostering Network, is delivering the Mockingbird programme, which is an innovative method of foster care using the Mockingbird Family Model. This is an extended family model that provides sleepovers and short breaks, peer support, regular joint planning and training and social activities. The programme improves the stability of fostering placements and strengthens the relationships between carers, children and young people, fostering services and birth families.

To watch our short video click here

Then if you would like to know more about Mockingbird, please contact a member of our team or ask to speak to our Mockingbird Lead.

 

Additional support

  • Mentoring scheme available for new foster carers
  • Regular support group evenings and conferences featuring guest speakers
  • Improved support from our Therapeutic Team
  • Activity groups for children of families who foster
  • Monthly coffee mornings for foster carers
  • A Fostering Christmas party
  • An annual foster carers appreciation event/awards night
  • An annual Fostering Family Fun Day
  • A range of foster carer training courses
  • Opportunities for development and progression