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Specialist / Focus fostering

Focus fostering is a specialised form of fostering providing placements for children between the ages of 5 to 18 years old.

The children referred to the Focus fostering scheme have more complex support needs and have often had a number of previous foster care placements which may have broken down.

Focus fostering can be demanding but also highly rewarding. This opportunity allows you to foster a child as a career by providing a stable and caring home to a child who might not have had this experience before.

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What are the benefits of being a Focus foster carer?

You will receive an enhanced fostering allowance that recognises and rewards the task of caring for a child or young person with complex social and emotional behavioural difficulties.

We asked our Focus foster carers what they felt was the biggest advantage of being a foster carer in a survey, and over 77% said that helping the children in Salford was the most important benefit to them.

Focus foster carers get to work from home and get 24/7 hour support from professionals and specialists while they do it.

What support would I get?

Focus foster carers also receive comprehensive support from their family placement worker with fortnightly contact and also access to a multi-agency team including social workers, psychologists and teachers. The support offered reflects our commitment for children to have the right to a family life despite their difficulties and includes:

  • 24 hours, seven days a week support with a dedicated on-call service.
  • Fortnightly meetings with the Focus team and other Focus foster carers.
  • Fortnightly face to face contact with your family placement worker.
  • Full training and preparation programme.
  • A generous weekly reward/fee payment.
  • Access to a team of professionals to support you and the child in placement.

What do I need to become a Focus Foster Carer?

If you are considering becoming a Focus foster carer, you will need to make sure have the following:

  • Have some experience of working with or caring for children, young people or vulnerable adults.
  • Have an adult in your household who will be available full time to care for the child and work closely with the Focus team.
  • Have no other children under the age of 16 living in the household.
  • Have a spare room for the child.
  • A strong commitment to working in partnership to manage behaviour difficulties.

If you feel that you could work from home with children as an alternative to your current employment or if you have any questions, get in touch.

We'd love to hear from you!

Call 0161 799 1268, send us an email at fosterforus@salford.gov.uk or complete our online enquiry form below.

Fostering enquiry form

Types of fostering

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