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Hertfordshire County Council
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Why foster with us?

Join our trusted, local authority Hertfordshire Fostering Service. Unlike other agencies, we are not-for-profit. Find out what you'll benefit from in the highly rewarding role of a Hertfordshire foster carer.

Training and support

When you choose to foster with us, you'll receive exceptional training and support right from the very start, with ongoing development throughout your role. We'll guide you every step of the way.

 

 

Training

  • Preparation training to help you get started.
  • A personal development plan for your training and development needs.
  • Core training, including first aid and safeguarding.
  • Bespoke training for your ongoing development.
  • An annual review of your progress, training and development needs.
  • Local training - most courses are at our offices in Stevenage or Apsley, near Hemel Hempstead.
  • The government's training, support and development standards set out what you should learn in your first 12 to 18 months as a foster carer.
  • Virtual School Foster Carers Course

 

Local support

  • A dedicated social worker, providing regular monthly supervision.
  • An experienced foster carer buddy who'll offer additional support.
  • An induction pack to get you started.
  • Local events and support groups where you can meet other foster carers, share experiences and support each other.
  • A duty system to support you when your social worker is unavailable.
  • An out of hours support line and emergency safeguarding service, available 7 days a week.

 

Dawn and Alan Ashworth, foster carers."The support available from Hertfordshire County Council is superb. Whether you need help from your dedicated social worker or need support from external professionals, all concerns are dealt with promptly and sensitively."

Dawn and Alan Ashworth, foster carers.

Events and networks

We host fostering open events at locations across the county. If you're interested in fostering with us, come along and find out more about this life changing role.

You'll get a chance to meet other local foster carers, hear their real life experiences and ask questions.

Fostering open events

 

 

The Fostering Network

As an approved foster carer, you'll become a member of The Fostering Network - a national organisation who offer:

  • advice and information
  • access to an online community
  • updates on events
  • regular magazines
  • discounts on publications  
  • helpline support.

 

New Family Social (LGBT network)

We're pleased to be a member of the New Family Social, a UK network of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) adoptive and foster families.

Register to access their forums and members' area.

 

Hertfordshire Fostering & Adoption

 

Brian, a foster carer.

"In our local area, we spend a lot of time getting together with other Hertfordshire foster carers at support groups, training and social events. Fostering has been a great way to develop our social network and we enjoy spending time with like-minded people who want to help children."

Brian Rushton, foster carer

 

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