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Advertising Feature - Nexus Fostering
Start your fostering journey today with Nexus Fostering!
Why Foster?
Every year thousands of new foster families are needed to look after the increasing number of vulnerable children coming into care across Norfolk.
Foster carers are needed to give vulnerable children and young people a safe, caring home environment whilst they’re unable to live with their birth family. Foster Carers enable these children to grow and flourish into independent, well-rounded adults. Children and young people of all ages and from all backgrounds come into care so Foster Carers from all walks of life are needed.
What is Fostering?
There are very different reasons for children needing foster care. Children may come into care temporarily due to a family problem or illness, or long-term due to experience of physical or emotional abuse, neglect and domestic violence. Whatever the reason the child has come in to care, they need to be provided with a nurturing adult (Foster Carer) and a safe place to call home.
Some children return to their family homes, some are transitioned to adoption and some stay with their Foster Carers until they are an adult.
Why foster with Nexus Fostering?
Nexus Fostering is a well-established fostering agency set up by Social Workers and continues to be so. Rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted since 2011, we are a fostering family like no other. Supporting our foster carers is our number one priority. We provide extensive training, 24/7 support 365 days a year and are deeply committed to high-quality placements, leading to the best possible outcomes for children and young people. We provide a full range of fostering placements such as respite, parent & child fostering, and therapeutic-led fostering.
How do I become a foster carer?
Nexus aims to make the process as simple as possible by supporting you at each stage.
- Speak with us
Talk to one of our experienced Fostering Advisors to find out whether becoming a foster carer is best for you.
- Initial visit
We will then set up a home visit where we will discuss fostering in further detail.
- Applying to foster
If you decide that fostering is right for you, you can complete an application form. Do not forget, we are available to help whenever you need us.
- Checks and references
To ensure the protection of children entering foster care, we must conduct a number of safety checks. Examples include DBS checks, home safety checks, and medical health checks. If you have any concerns at all, please contact one of our experienced Foster Advisors if you have any questions so that you can discuss with them with them.
- Fostering assessment
We will arrange for a social worker to be assigned to you, and they will meet with you to discuss your relevant experience, skills, and abilities.
- Specialist Training
During your assessment, you will be asked to attend a training programme to better understand what fostering entails and to have the opportunity to learn new skills that will help you prepare for your upcoming foster journey.
- Panel
Your dedicated social worker will be by your side while the panel questions you about your life experiences and assessment. Based on this information, the panel will next determine if you are a suitable candidate to become a foster carer.
- Approved foster carer
If you are successful, you will now be an approved foster carer. You will be assigned a Nexus social worker who will support you and your family throughout the fostering journey. You will receive ongoing training and guidance, and together we will enable young children to achieve their full potential.
- Placements
When we receive a referral through from your local authority, our dedicated placements team look to match this with you and your family. They share the information with you for you to discuss with your social worker to ensure you agree with the recommendation.
- Ongoing support
When you have a child or young person enter your home for the first time, it is daunting for you and them. Your social worker and the extended team are here for you 24/7, 365 days a week. There will be challenges along the way but by working together you really can make a difference to their life. Come along to our monthly support groups and family activity days to meet other carers. We really are a fostering family like no other.
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Can anyone be a foster carer? In general, you can apply to be a foster carer if you:
· are at least 21 years old
· have a spare bedroom big enough for a child or young person to live in
· are living in the UK, either in your own home or a rented property (permission from landlord is required)
· are willing and able to care for a child or young person, often on a full-time basis.
Enquire now at nexusfostering.co.uk/one day or call the friendly team on 0800 389 0143