Useful websites for foster carers
- Brighter Futures: call 0800 917 1119
- Emergency out of hours: call 0808 800 4005
- Fostering Network: the UK's leading fostering charity
- New Family Social: website for LGBTQ+ adoptive and foster families
- Suffolk CPD online: the log in portal for Suffolk's professional development site
- Suffolk Foster Carer Association: run by Suffolk Foster Carers for Suffolk Foster Carers
- Suffolk Foster Carer Benefits Scheme: foster carers can get benefits and save money with us
- Suffolk's latest Ofsted Report
- Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership: the 'Missing from Care' guidance is on this website
- Suffolk's Fostering Service on Facebook
- Suffolk's Fostering Service on Instagram
- The Mockingbird Society's Family Model: a solution to transform foster care and end youth homelessness
Useful documents
- Adoption by Foster Carers FlowchartPDF135KB
- Adoption by Foster Carers LeafletPDF282KB
- Adoption by Foster Carers PolicyPDF222KB
- Allegations Guidance for Foster Carers and Prospective AdoptersPDF1.06MB
- Care Leavers Guide to ApprenticeshipsPDF1.48MB
- Delegating Authority to Foster Carers and Children's HomesPDF345KB
- Foster Carer's ManualPDF1.86MB
- Foster Carer Supervision PolicyPDF231KB
- Fostering Guidance for Child Care Arrangements Under Delegated AuthorityPDF273KB
- Foster Placement Disruption GuidancePDF191KB
- Fire Safety in the HomePDF581KB
- Fostering Schedule of Allowances and Fees 2024-25PDF534KB
- Fostering Service Guidance in relation to Dangerous PetsPDF207KB
- Fostering Statement of Purpose 2024-25DOCX1.05MB
- Fostering when you WorkPDF108KB
- Free School Meals LeafletPDF208KB
- Goals of the disruption meetingPDF51KB
- Guidance on the use of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)PDF194KB
- Guide to attending Fostering PanelPDF224KB
- Guidance on Pets in Fostering HouseholdsPDF266KB
- Guidance on Possession of Firearms and other WeaponsPDF254KB
- Parent and Child Foster Placement GuidancePDF211KB
- Placement Planning for Children in CarePDF202KB
- Recording Policy and Guidance for Foster CarersPDF187KB
- Refer a Friend FormDOCX81KB
- Staying Put Policy and ProcedurePDF394KB
- Strength and difficulties questionnaire practice guidancePDF316KB
- Suffolk CC Foster Carer Charter PDF3.32MB
- Suffolk Virtual School Leaflet for Carers 2025PDF480KB
- Surveillance PolicyPDF144KB
- The Family Business - An Introductory GuidePDF1.08MB
- Using the Emergency Duty Service (EDS) and Fostering Out-of-Hours Call Service (FOOHAS) VisualPDF74KB
Technology user guides
- How to: Access Office 365PDF212KB
- How to: Access YouTube and Ted TalksPDF165KB
- How to: Set up your CPD accountPDF188KB
- How to: Print Screen and Snip and SketchPDF225KB
- How to: Use File ExplorerPDF117KB
- How to: Use Microsoft WordPDF382KB
- How to: Use OutlookPDF221KB
- Outlook Messaging Encryption GuidePDF191KB
Be involved!
We offer opportunities to our foster carers who are keen to get more involved.
Suffolk foster carers can share their fostering experience and develop their own skills. Some of these opportunities attract an additional fee.
As a Suffolk foster carer you can:
- Become a Fostering Ambassador: we have several carers who work with the recruitment team and assist at public events to promote fostering
- Receive a thank you payment of £500* if you introduce someone who goes on to be approved as a Suffolk Foster Carer
- Share your experiences: Would you like to encourage others to foster? Find out more about how you can be involved in our recruitment foster@suffolk.gov.uk
- Support and mentor other carers individually or take part in running support groups.
- Volunteer for the Suffolk Foster Carer Association
*Terms and conditions apply, get in touch for more details.