4.2. Identify sources of information and guidance for the support carer’s role

This guide will help you answer 4.2. Identify sources of information and guidance for the support carer’s role.

Support carers in fostering and adoption play a major part in the lives of children who are unable to live with their birth families. These carers need advice, practical help and clear information at every stage of their role. There are many sources they can access. Some are formal services, others are informal or community based. The aim is to give them the confidence, knowledge and resources they need to provide safe and stable care.

This guide will cover a broad range of possible sources, explaining what they offer, how carers can access them and why they are important.

Local Authority Fostering and Adoption Teams

Most carers receive information and support from the fostering or adoption team within their local council. These teams provide:

• Information packs during assessment stages
• Policies and procedures on caring for children
• Named supervising social workers who give one-to-one guidance
• Training sessions on topics like safeguarding, attachment and trauma
• Support groups for foster carers and adopters

Carers can contact their supervising social worker for advice at any time. The local authority is also responsible for giving carers up-to-date legal information and practical guidance such as allowances, contact arrangements, respite care and reporting concerns.

Independent Fostering Agencies

Some carers work with independent fostering agencies. These agencies have their own support teams which mirror local authority services. They often provide:

• Specialist training courses
• Frequent visits from a supervising social worker
• Access to a 24-hour helpline for urgent issues
• Peer support through organised events

Independent fostering agencies are regulated by Ofsted. This means they must meet national standards and offer carers access to professional guidance.

National Charities and Organisations

There are national organisations that offer independent advice, information and advocacy for carers.

Examples include:

• CoramBAAF Adoption and Fostering Academy – offers publications, training, policy briefings, and legal updates.
• Fostering Network – provides a helpline, legal protection insurance, training, publications and independent advice on fostering matters.
• Adoption UK – offers peer networks, specialist advice, resources, and an online community forum.

These organisations are useful for carers who want information beyond what their agency or local authority provides. They can help carers understand national policy changes, access research, and have a voice on issues that affect them.

Online Support and Guidance

Reputable websites and government resources can give carers quick access to information.

Trusted sources include:

• The GOV.UK website – official guidance on adoption and fostering law, allowances and eligibility
• Ofsted reports – performance data for fostering and adoption services
• NHS website – advice on children’s physical and mental health issues

Online forums run by established charities can provide peer support. Carers should be encouraged to check that online information comes from reputable organisations to avoid misinformation.

Specialist Support Services

Some carers need guidance from health or therapeutic services due to the specific needs of the children in their care.

Useful sources include:

• Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) – assessment and therapy for children with mental health or behavioural issues
• Educational psychologists – help support children with learning needs
• Speech and language therapists – advice for children with communication issues
• Occupational therapists – support for children with sensory or physical needs

These services can provide written plans and strategies for carers to follow at home.

Legal and Advocacy Services

Fostering and adoption can involve complex legal processes. Carers may need advice to understand their rights and responsibilities.

Sources of legal guidance include:

• Supervising social worker or adoption social worker – first point of contact
• Law Centres and Citizens Advice – offer free or reduced-cost legal information
• Specialist family law solicitors – experienced in fostering, adoption and child protection law
• Independent Reviewing Officers – can explain the child’s care plan and rights

Having access to correct legal information protects both the child’s welfare and the rights of the carer.

Training Providers

Ongoing training is a key part of support for carers. Training can build confidence and skills. It may be delivered by:

• Local authority or fostering agency
• National charities like Adoption UK or Fostering Network
• Accredited training providers in childcare, safeguarding and therapeutic parenting

Training may be face-to-face or online. It covers areas such as first aid, de-escalation strategies, equality and diversity, managing challenging behaviour and supporting educational progress.

Peer Support Networks

Many carers find other carers to be one of their best sources of guidance. People who have similar experiences can offer understanding and practical tips.

Sources include:

• Local support groups run by the council or agency
• Informal networks within the community
• Online groups and forums moderated by reputable charities
• Buddy systems that pair new carers with experienced carers

These networks give carers a safe space to talk about challenges and celebrate successes.

Health Visitors and School Staff

Health visitors can give early years advice on health, nutrition, development and parenting strategies for younger children. For school-aged children, teachers and Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs) can offer guidance on learning plans, behaviour support and wellbeing in education.

Close communication between carers and these professionals helps provide consistent support across home and school.

Central Government Publications

The UK government publishes statutory guidance and regulations that set out duties for fostering and adoption services. Carers may be given copies of relevant material such as:

• Children Act guidance
• Adoption and Children Act 2002 regulations
• Care Planning, Placement and Case Review regulations

These documents are vital for understanding how the law protects children and what is expected of carers.

Religious and Community Organisations

Some carers find support within their faith or cultural community. Religious or community leaders may offer:

• Emotional support
• Advice on cultural identity needs
• Introductions to trusted mentors for children

This can be particularly helpful for matching the cultural needs of children placed in care with their backgrounds.

Private and Independent Therapy Providers

Sometimes children need more intensive therapeutic support than what is available through local authority or NHS services. Carers may access:

• Counsellors specialised in child trauma
• Play therapists
• Art or music therapists
• Family therapy services

These can provide strategies that improve the child’s emotional wellbeing and help carers respond effectively.

Professional Bodies and Regulatory Authorities

Official bodies provide policy guidance, codes of practice, and professional standards that can help carers and their support workers.

Examples are:

• Social Work England – guidance on professional standards for social workers
• Ofsted – publishes inspection findings and recommendations
• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) – produces clinical guidelines relevant to children’s health and development

Workers supporting carers can use these to advise on best practice.

Helplines and Crisis Support Services

In urgent situations, carers may need immediate advice or emotional assistance. Reliable helplines include:

• NSPCC helpline for safeguarding concerns
• Family Lives helpline for parenting and relationship issues
• Samaritans for crisis emotional support

Having these numbers on hand can be very reassuring for carers.

Information from Past Experience

Many carers learn from their own experiences over time. Reflection on what has worked well, and what could be improved, can be a guide for the future. Some agencies collect case studies from experienced carers to pass on to others.

Responsibilities of Workers in Guiding Carers

Workers supporting carers should be familiar with these information sources so they can recommend the most appropriate place for guidance. They must listen to the carer’s concerns, assess what sort of support is needed and then link them to the right professionals or resources.

Workers also need to keep their knowledge up to date. Laws, policies and recommended practices can change. Attending training, reading professional updates, and networking with other professionals helps them to provide current and correct guidance.

Promoting Information Sharing

Carers should be encouraged to seek help as soon as they need it. Workers can:

• Provide contact lists for common services
• Explain what each service does
• Check with carers to see if the guidance given has helped
• Arrange follow-up support where needed

Sharing accurate information promptly can prevent problems from escalating.

Keeping Information Accessible

Information and guidance is more effective if it is clear and easy to understand. Workers should avoid jargon and explain any technical terms. Written information should be available in plain language and in formats that meet the carer’s needs, such as large print or translated materials.

Building Confidence through Support

Regular, reliable information builds confidence. This can help carers feel more able to meet the needs of children and to handle difficult situations. It also promotes better stability in placements.

Carers who are well supported are more likely to stay in their role, which means more children benefit from long-term and consistent care.

Final Thoughts

Carers in fostering and adoption face a range of situations that can be challenging and rewarding. The right information and guidance can make a big difference to their ability to offer safe, loving and stable homes.

By drawing on the wide variety of sources available, from local authority teams to specialist therapists, national charities and supportive peer networks, carers can find help that fits their needs. Workers have a key role in connecting carers to these sources, explaining what they offer, and checking the support is working.

A strong network of accessible and accurate information creates better outcomes for children, stronger placements for carers, and a more supportive foster and adoption system as a whole.