Fosterline Wales: the foster carer’s lifeline

Almost a decade ago, the Welsh Government recognised the importance of funding an independent advice line to support foster carers in Wales, and since then they have funded The Fostering Network to provide Fosterline Wales. As devolution has picked up pace in Wales, the importance of the service provided by Fosterline Wales has greatly increased.

I have been working on Fosterline Wales since 2007, and have found it a privilege to be able to support foster carers, social workers and others who are part of the fostering team. Many foster carers tell us that Fosterline Wales is a lifeline to them, which is rewarding to hear. Recently I spoke to a foster carer who was caring for two brothers under the age of five who had significant needs that they felt were not being met by social services or health care professionals. I was able to reassure the carer and advised them on a plan of action which included keeping a careful record of the brothers’ needs and behaviours, that sharing that information with the school, health visitor and social worker, and preparing a statement of those needs for the upcoming looked after child review.

With the tenth anniversary of Fosterline Wales coming up, we recently undertook a user survey and were delighted that the overwhelming feedback was that it has developed a well-deserved reputation as a reliable source of advice and information. Two-thirds of foster carers told us that they found the service provided to be excellent, and they used phrases such as ‘Helpful, supportive, professional and knowledgeable’ and ‘Fosterline provided me much needed support and advice that I had struggled to find elsewhere.’

Fosterline Wales offers bilingual information, advice, support and signposting to everyone involved in foster care in Wales, including foster carers, social workers and other members of the fostering team:

Information and advice

Fosterline Wales provides information about all aspects of foster care, including:

• tax and national insurance
• benefits
• allowances
• insurance.

Support

Fosterline Wales offers confidential support, including to those:

• facing allegations
• concerned about the care plan
• unclear about the legislation and guidance relating to foster care in Wales

If you have any questions or concerns about any aspect of fostering, contact Fosterline Wales which is open from 9.30am-12.30pm, Monday to Friday. 0800 316 7664

The Fostering Network brings together everyone who is involved in the lives of fostered children and young people to lead, inspire, motivate and support them to make foster care better. To support our work visit www.fostering.net/donate or to donate £10 text FOST37 £10 to 7007