Supporting Carers
Family Matters foster carers are part of a wider team that is responsible for the welfare of the children in their care.  We recognise that effective support is an essential element of a successful placement and we are flexible and creative in our approach.  The following support is offered to all our foster carers:

1 evening off each week (4 hours).  During this time child care is provided by a supplementary carer.
14 days paid holiday per annum.
Access to Family Matters social worker 24 hours each day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year via our out of hours phone line.
Monthly supervision with a member of the social work team.
Regular training.
Additional out of school allowance and out of school activities.
Holiday activities.
Liaison with Education and Resources Co-ordinator.
Access to Family Matters library.
Regular support groups.
Cluster groups for friendship, peer support and mentoring from highly experienced carers.
Accurate payments, made on time by BACS.
Additional allowances including mileage allowance.

Training Carers

Fostering has always been a difficult task, and it has become increasingly demanding and complex.  We believe that when foster carers make use of the excellent training provided by Family Matters their lives, and those of the children they care for, will be considerably easier.  There are certain elements of training that are considered to be essential:

Child Protection
First Aid
Valuing diversity
Caring for a child who has been abused
Preparing a  young person for independence
Safe caring
Recording
Health and Safety
Education
And others

We encourage all main carers to undertake the NVQ Health and Social Care (Children and Young People) Level 3.