Already a foster carer? Transfer to us.
If you’re already fostering through an agency, you may never have considered directly fostering through Blackpool Council.
However, many foster carers are now making the move as they realise the benefits of joining our community.
What are the benefits in transferring to Blackpool Council?
By being a Blackpool Council foster carer, you’re more likely to have a regular flow of children to care for as we are first to know of those who need a home.
This means our foster carers are prioritised. After all, wherever possible, we believe it is best for children to be near their family, friends and school.
Smooth transfer process
Barbara and Robert have been fostering for three years and recently transferred to Blackpool Council from an Independent Fostering Agency.
The couple agreed that the transfer process was quite smooth.
Their main motivation for transferring was the great relationship they have with a social worker at Blackpool Council who is involved with the children they are caring for. They also wanted to build their support network with local foster carers in Blackpool.
Barbara and Robert are currently looking after a 9-year-old boy and an 11-year-old girl.
We had a quick chat with the couple.
Barbara told us:
“We’ve had a positive start and are enjoying fostering with Blackpool Council – we are very happy. There’s great support from our supervising social worker and we have a good relationship with her. They are a very kind and friendly team. They seem very sensible and good to work with.”
We asked the couple what inspired them to start fostering and what they would say to someone thinking of becoming a foster carer.
Barbara said:
“We had a friend and his wife was a foster carer. We felt it would be very inspiring and thought that we would be a good fit. I thought now at my age, I can do a good job and focus only on the kids and make their lives better. The best time to do it is when you are a bit older. There is a number of people always thinking my age doesn’t allow me to foster but that’s wrong. We are young at heart. The children keep laughing and there’s lots of happiness in our house. We foster to make a difference because we can. I wish more people would foster for the council.”
Competitive rates of pay
How much you are paid will depend on the type of foster care and the care needs of each child. However, we offer more competitive rates of pay compared to an agency alternative and have a generous allowances package.
Enhanced support when you need it
We are committed to improving the lives of children and support our foster carers to do the same. With us by your side, you’ll always feel valued.
You’ll have direct access to a central Blackpool-based support team, and a designated social worker and a support worker who are there to offer advice and guidance.
Our dedicated support line is operational 24/7 every day of the year.
We also run local support groups, fostering forums and social events. When you join us you join a fantastic, supportive foster care community.
Ongoing training and development
We never assume that our experienced foster carers no longer have training needs. Quite the opposite is true. We offer a wide range of training courses, including multi-agency courses with health, education and the police.
With us, you’ll have a personalised development plan to help you best meet the needs of the child or children you are caring for.
Want to know more?
We’ll never push anyone to make the switch from an agency to join us. It’s a decision only you can make, but we’re more than happy to walk you through the transfer process.
Simply contact us and we'll advise you of the next steps.