People considering fostering often ask the same questions. Will I be supported properly? Will the training prepare me for real life situations? What happens when fostering becomes difficult?
At New Chapters Fostercare, support is not an extra. It is built into everything we do. From your first contact with us through approval and into day to day fostering, we provide structured, consistent, and personal support for foster carers.
We work with foster carers who live within an hour of our office, and our staff team is office based. This allows us to prioritise face to face contact, regular visits, and strong working relationships. We believe this approach creates trust, improves communication, and leads to better outcomes for both foster carers and children.
“As a potential new foster carer, I felt excited but also apprehensive. From my opening conversations with New Chapters through to the initial home visit, I experienced a welcoming and supportive approach that genuinely reflected the organisation’s values. The time taken to understand my personal circumstances gave me confidence that this was the right agency for me.”
Nikita Brown, foster carer, says:
“I had been considering fostering for some time and spoke with several people about their experiences. I consistently heard positive feedback about New Chapters Fostering. Craig visited my home to explain the organisation and the fostering process. The meeting was relaxed and informal, which helped put me at ease.
I attended the Skills to Foster training over three days. Although I had researched fostering beforehand, the training was extremely valuable. It helped me develop new skills, gain different perspectives, and meet others starting their fostering journey.
Since becoming a foster carer, New Chapters has been highly supportive. There is always someone available to offer guidance, support, and advice. It has made fostering a rewarding and fulfilling experience.”
Training for foster carers at New Chapters begins during the assessment process. All applicants attend Skills to Foster training, a mandatory three day programme that introduces the foster carer role and our parenting approach.
After approval, foster carers have access to a wide range of ongoing training. This includes safeguarding, recording practice, paediatric first aid, and safe handling and de-escalation strategies. Additional courses cover topics such as social media, exploitation, county lines, and supporting young people with complex needs.
Training is delivered by experienced staff and specialist external trainers where specific expertise is required.
A key part of our training offer is the 18 session nurturing attachment programme, delivered by our Head of Therapy. This programme provides an in depth understanding of PACE(playfulness, acceptance, curiosity, and empathy). This trauma informed approach underpins all of our work with children and young people.
Primary foster carers complete the full programme. A shorter six session course is available for partner carers who may not have the availability to attend the longer programme.
Catherine Colman also reflects on training:
“The Skills to Foster training gave a clear insight into the role of a foster carer and the realities of fostering. Learning alongside others on a similar journey, and hearing from experienced professionals, added real depth and context. It was an invaluable part of feeling prepared and supported.”
We understand that the fostering assessment process can feel intrusive. It involves detailed conversations about your life, experiences, and relationships. That is why we place strong emphasis on sensitivity, respect, and face to face contact.
You will be allocated an experienced social worker to guide you through the assessment. They will explain each stage, answer questions, and ensure you feel informed and supported throughout.
Safeguarding checks, including references, DBS checks, local authority checks, and medical assessments, are coordinated by our family finding officer. This provides continuity and reduces unnecessary stress during the process.
Towards the end of the assessment, your assessor will explain the fostering panel and what to expect. Feedback from applicants over many years consistently shows that panel is a respectful and supportive experience.
Foster carers Christine and Frederick Saayman, say:
“We transferred to New Chapters because our previous agency was not meeting our expectations. From the first visit, our concerns were listened to and our feelings were validated.
Since joining New Chapters, every member of staff has embraced us and our daughter. We were told that New Chapters focuses on building lasting relationships, and that has proven to be true. Moving to New Chapters was the best decision we ever made.”
Once approved, every foster carer is supported by a dedicated supervising social worker. They visit regularly, provide guidance, and are available by phone or email. You will also be allocated a dedicated, experienced foster carer to act as your buddy.
Outside office hours, there is always a named person on call. This will be someone who knows you and the children living in your home.
Foster carers also have access to peer support through a group known as the carers’ voice. Speaking with other foster carers who understand the realities of fostering can provide reassurance and practical advice.
Formal supervision takes place at least monthly in your home. These sessions focus on support, reflection, and problem solving. They also contribute to your training, support, and development standards.
Every foster family is also supported by a family support worker, who works with the child or young person and offers support to carers and birth children.
Our office provides a welcoming drop in environment for foster carers and families. This helps maintain strong relationships with staff and provides informal opportunities for support.
Our Head of Therapy is a skilled, qualified psychotherapist who supports foster carers and staff to work in a trauma informed, relationship focused way. Many children entering foster care have experienced loss, neglect, or trauma, which can affect their emotional wellbeing and behaviour.
Therapeutic support helps foster carers understand these behaviours and respond in ways that promote safety, stability, and emotional development.
Our approach to recruitment, training, and support has been recognised by Ofsted.
In its most recent inspection report, Ofsted stated:
“Prospective foster carers receive a warm welcome to the agency. All initial visits are undertaken by a director, who carefully discusses the therapeutic, child focused ethos of the service with prospective carers.
The recruitment, assessment, preparation, and training of foster families is comprehensive and timely. Applicants told inspectors that the assessment process is safe and respectful and ensures they are extremely well prepared for their new roles.”
You can read our latest Ofsted report here: https://www.newchaptersfostercare.co.uk/ofsted-inspection-outstanding/
Fostering can be challenging. Children and young people often arrive with complex emotional needs linked to earlier experiences of trauma or loss.
Strong, consistent support helps foster carers feel confident, valued, and prepared. It also helps children experience stability, understanding, and care.
At New Chapters Fostercare, we believe foster carers should never feel they are doing this alone.
Foster carers receive dedicated support from a supervising social worker, 24/7 on-call support, access to a family support worker, peer support, and therapeutic guidance.
Yes. There is always a named person on call outside office hours who is familiar with you and the children in your care.
Training includes Skills to Foster, safeguarding, first aid, de-escalation strategies, and an in depth nurturing attachment programme led by our Head of Therapy.
Each foster carer is allocated a dedicated supervising social worker who provides consistent support and regular visits.
Through supervision, therapeutic input, peer support, and regular contact, foster carers are supported to manage the emotional demands of fostering.
If you are thinking about becoming a foster carer in Shropshire or Staffordshire, Sandwell, Dudley or Wolverhampton and want consistent, face to face support from a local team, we would be pleased to speak with you.
Call us on 01952463251 for an informal conversation or complete our enquiry form to begin your fostering journey with New Chapters Fostercare.
