Why choose Salford City Council?

Why should you foster with Salford and not an independent fostering agency? With so many agencies around and so much to choose from, many people are unsure at the enquiry stage, so here a few reasons why you should foster with us.

• Salford City Council is a ‘not for profit’ organisation, so the primary importance is on the children and your training and support which is all on your doorstep.
• Local authorities place ‘in house’ first, so you are unlikely to have an empty bed for long. We pride ourselves on finding the best match to suit your family.
• You’ll receive a regular allowance, depending on the age of the child, as well as other payments to meet the child’s needs. We’ll provide any equipment you need if you don’t have it already such as bedroom furniture, car seats, stair gates etc.
• Our looked after children in Salford attend local schools, so you don’t have to travel far for school runs, appointments, family contact etc.
• You’ll have a dedicated personal social worker who will visit you regularly, and your foster child/children will have their own social worker too. There is also a asocial worker ‘on duty’ in the office every day – so you’re always supported and never on your own.
• We provide a full ongoing training programme long after you become approved, and are committed to your personal development, so you are always learning new skills. Training courses include contact and working with birth families, communication, listening and attachment, promoting health and education, managing behaviour, placement endings and moving on, and valuing diversity. You’ll also be linked with an experienced ‘buddy’ foster carer for ongoing support when you are newly approved, so you’ll have someone to talk to outside of the social work network when you need to. You will also have access to a detailed carers’ handbook which will have everything you need to know.
• We hold regular support groups and social activities for carers and birth children. These include women and men’s support groups for carers, trips to the cinema for birth children and a Christmas pantomime! Our dedicated team of support workers ensure that your family are always fully supported and looked after in a fun and engaging way.
• You’ll have an opportunity to join our Foster Carer’s Association, run and managed by foster carers. The association organises regular coffee morning where you can go along for independent support and advice. We also host an annual long service awards honouring our long serving carers with awards presented by the ceremonial mayor of Salford.

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