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Transfer to Footprints

If you’re already a foster carer and considering changing foster agencies, why not join the Footprints family? Here are some of the reasons our existing foster carers chose (and continue to stay) with us:

High standard of personalised, 24/7 support

If you feel unsupported or isolated in your current fostering agency, we’d love to show you how it should be done! At Footprints, we provide 24/7, highly personalised support to all our foster carers and a qualified social worker who knows you and your family circumstances well. You will never have to explain your situation to a stranger, and you’ll gain access to our support groups, local community and social networks. We know fostering can be hard, and are passionate about providing the support carers need.

Excellent Communication

As a foster carer, you rely on clear and prompt agency communication to do your job effectively. Delays over case updates, training, or general enquiries, can be hugely frustrating and can lead to carers feeling disconnected or underappreciated. At Footprints, we pride ourselves on being available to you 24/7 - responding promptly to questions with a service that is personal to you.

We’re a small, independent agency and, as such, are able to offer a uniquely warm and welcoming environment where you’ll feel valued, listened to, and part of a supportive community.

Ongoing Training and Investment in Your Personal Development

Fostering can be complex, and carers often need specialised training to deal with specific issues (e.g., behavioural problems, trauma-informed care). When you transfer to Footprints, you’ll get access to ongoing training to equip you with the skills and confidence needed for every stage of your fostering journey, including specialist courses for solo fostering and therapeutic care. You’ll also receive complimentary membership of FosterTalk.

At Footprints, we believe becoming a foster carer isn’t just about helping children - it’s also about personal development. Our resources, training, and support help you grow into confident, skilled advocates for young people and children.

Generous Fostering Allowances

As an independent fostering agency, Footprints is able to offer a competitive fostering allowance of up to £500 per child per week, depending on the needs of the children.

In addition to the core allowance, you may be eligible for additional payments for specific circumstances, such as fostering children with special needs or taking on emergency placements. Find out more about fostering allowances.

A Child and Carer-Centred Approach

You may find yourself at a stage where your current fostering agency’s approach to fostering no longer aligns with your own. For instance, it may feel like your agency is more focused on policy or numbers than the child or supporting its carers.

At Footprints, our goal is to be there for every child and young person entrusted to our care. And we know, in order to achieve that, we need to offer the best possible support to both children and carers. Alongside training and 24/7 support, our carers benefit from regular feedback, acknowledgment of achievements and celebration of milestones. Feeling appreciated is a key part of fostering long-term commitment!

We know fostering can be hard and we feel that it is vital to get the support right by listening to our carers and making changes from feedback to ensure our service is providing carers with what they need.

Unparalleled Local Relationships and Knowledge

Footprints has a deep understanding of our local community in Bournemouth, across Dorset and the surrounding areas. This knowledge, and the strong relationships we’ve built with local authorities, schools and healthcare services, supports our foster carers in navigating challenges and achieving the best results for the children in their care.

Find out more

If you are looking to transfer to a fostering agency where you will be personally known, valued and recognised as an important part of the team, please contact us by calling 01202 573408.