Why foster for Bournemouth?
Nationally there is a shortage of foster carers and here at Bournemouth Borough Council we need to recruit new foster carers locally for our children and young people. In return we offer fantastic training and ongoing support, fees and allowances and a dedicated team who will support you on your fostering journey. But don’t take our word for it, click below and hear some of our carers’ stories….
What is fostering?
Fostering is a way of giving young people and children who are in the care of a local authority like Bournemouth Borough Council, a chance to enjoy the benefits of a stable and supportive family environment.
What is it like to foster?
Fostering can be challenging as well as rewarding. Most of our children and young people will need a great deal of support and patience, as it can often be bewildering for them to be taken out of their home environment.
Different types of fostering
One of the great things about fostering is that there are several ways you can foster so there is likely to be at least one type that will fit in with your own lifestyle and abilities.
How to apply to foster?
To start out on the path of being a foster carer in the Bournemouth area couldn’t be easier. You can simply call us on 0800 009 3084; fill in our online form or email us at bournemouthfostering@ontracagency.com and we will get back to you within 24 hours.
What is the process?
Once you picked up the phone or submitted an online application, you will be sent some information for you to have a look at and digest.
Within two days you are then contacted to see if you have received the information and if you want to proceed and complete a referral.
Training and support
From the moment you decide you want to foster with Bournemouth Borough Council you have access to a whole array of training opportunities, these include skills to foster training when you first start; ongoing training once you are approved; plus a programme of support for the whole family which include events.
Specialist fostering
In Bournemouth our looked after children and young people require care for a variety of reasons and to respond to these needs we have developed a range of specialist schemes to support them. These include parent and child fostering; Resilience Fostering for children with more complex needs and shared care.
Transferring from an IFA
If you are currently fostering for an IFA or other agency and would like to transfer to Bournemouth Borough Council, we would be delighted to hear from you. Transferring over varies according to the Agency, experience and length of time approved.
Fostering Team
Town Hall, Floor E1,
St Stephen’s Road, Bournemouth, BH2 6LL.