Introduction

The Foster Carers Handbook has been written for all foster carers approved by Sandwell Children’s Trust

Sandwell Children’s Trust is an independent not-for-profit company that provides social care and support services to children, young people and families. Sandwell Children's Trust Fostering offers placements to Sandwell children, but is no longer part of the Sandwell Childrens Trust. It is now registered as an Independent Fostering Agency (IFA), and its fostering arm is called Sandwell Children’s Trust Fostering.

The handbook reflects policies, procedure and guidance for the Independent Fostering Agency (IFA) which cover many common situations faced by foster carers on a day to day basis. It has been written in an accessible way to help you understand the sort of things that Sandwell Children's Trust Fostering requires of you. To access the full version of Independent Fostering Agency (IFA) policies, procedure and guidance, click here.

It has links to the Minimum Standards for Sandwell Children's Trust Fostering and references to the relevant Training, Support and Development Standards. You should also use the handbook to support your learning and development, particularly in relation to meeting the induction Standards.

Foster carers play an important role in the lives of Children in our Care and their families so it is important that you have the necessary tools to support you with this task. The handbook is one of these tools alongside the many professionals you will work with including your Supervising Social Worker and other foster carers.

This is the start of a great journey for you and the children and young people you may work with.

For guidance about how to use this handbook, please see Using this Handbook.