At Middlesbrough Council, we passionately believe that every child should have a safe, secure, and stable environment in which to grow and achieve their dreams. When you choose to foster with us you can make a real difference to the lives of children where you live. We always look to place children with our own foster carers first, helping to ensure that our carers’ and our children’s needs are met.
Every child and their family situation is different, and there are many types of fostering to meet their needs. You can find out about the different types of fostering below:
Futures for Families foster carers
Futures for Families is a fostering service which provides a rapid response to children and families in crisis who need support to prevent family breakdown.
For many different reasons some children are at risk of being taken away from home, their family and the future they desire. If you’re an experienced foster carer then you could help us stop this, and we want to hear from you!
Supported Lodgings
Supported Lodgings helps young adults aged 16 to 25 who have left care (and are eligible for Care Leaving Service) to gain independence. The young person lives with an individual or family that can provide a supportive home during this time which could be from a few months up to a few years.
Short term fostering
Some of our children need foster care for a short period of time; this could be anything from one night to many months, and is unique to each child’s situation.
Long term fostering
When a child isn’t able to return to live with their family, it’s often in their best interests to live with a foster carer in their home long term, as they may not want to be adopted, or they may want to keep some positive contact with their family.
Respite fostering
Sometimes families are under stress, and as a local authority, we’ll try to support them to enable them to stay together long term. Respite care for brief, regular periods of time supports a child and can help prevent their family breaking down.
Short break care for children with disabilities
Families with disabled children can sometimes welcome a regular break to support them in caring for a child with additional physical and emotional needs.
Parent and child fostering
What could fostering bring to your life?
Fostering can change your life. Developing a bond with a child and changing their life at a time when they need it most can be an amazing experience.
While the ultimate reward of fostering is the bond established between a foster carer and a child, we also offer many benefits to ensure you, your foster child, and your family are fully supported and can enjoy your time together.
Social worker support
- High support for new carers as part of our exciting Foster Carer Academy. This includes a supportive social worker with a reduced caseload to ensure you are fully supported in all areas of your new fostering journey.
- A set up grant, giving you the financial support to ensure you have everything you need.
- A mentor, in the form of an experienced foster carer, offering informal support.
- Monthly support groups with other foster carers and staff
- The opportunity to join a private Facebook community dedicated to Middlesbrough foster carers and inclusive of fostering staff, allowing you to share experiences.
Training and development
- A dedicated Training Officer will lead you through fostering training.
- A comprehensive classroom and e-learning programme, tailored to meet your household fostering needs.
- Pathways through Fostering training programme to nurture carers through their first year.
- Membership of the Fostering Network.
Attractive allowances
There are two weekly payments made to foster carers:
- Foster Child Weekly Allowance – this covers the costs of caring for a child, including clothing, food, trips, pocket money, and the practical things a child needs to help them flourish.
- Foster Carers’ Allowance – this attractive fee acknowledges the skills and abilities of our carers. For current rates, please contact a member of our team on 01642 201962.
Leisure benefits
- Max Cards giving carers and named children money off some of the biggest attractions in the country, such as Alton Towers and Go Ape!
- Active Cards to be used in named leisure venues around the town.
- Access to a wide range of activities and events delivered by our Foster Carer Association.
Friends
Make new friends with other foster carers at regular events.
