At Surrey County Council, we believe that foster carers are the heart of our community. That’s why we are committed to providing a strong, responsive, and compassionate support system to help you thrive in your role.
Whether you're just starting your fostering journey or have years of experience, our support is designed to empower you, care for your wellbeing, and ensure the best outcomes for the children in your care.
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- Personalised one-to-one support
- Comprehensive training and development
- Peer support and mentoring
- Foster Carer community
- Support groups
- Therapeutic support
- Financial allowances
- 24-hour emergency support
- Professional memberships
- The Mockingbird Family Model
- Surrey Support Services
- Ready to take the next step?
Personalised one-to-one support
Every foster carer is assigned a dedicated Supervising Social Worker who provides consistent, one-to-one support. Your social worker is your main point of contact, offering guidance, advocacy, and practical help tailored to your unique fostering experience.
Comprehensive training and development
We offer a custom training package with access to over 200 courses. These cover everything from essential safeguarding and first aid to advanced topics like therapeutic parenting and trauma-informed care. This ensures you are always equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to support children and young people effectively.
Foster carers can gain accredited qualifications as part of their professional development. These qualifications not only enhance your skills but also recognise your dedication and expertise.
Peer support and mentoring
New foster carers are paired with an experienced foster carer ‘buddy’ who can offer advice, encouragement, and a listening ear. This peer mentoring helps build confidence and provides valuable insight from someone who understands the challenges and rewards of fostering.
Foster Carer community
You’ll become part of a vibrant and welcoming community of foster carers across Surrey. We host regular social events where you can connect with others, share experiences, and build lasting friendships. These gatherings are a great way to feel supported and stay connected.
Support groups
We offer a variety of support groups, both virtual and in-person, to suit your schedule and preferences. These include specialist groups for different types of fostering, as well as a dedicated group for the children of foster carers, which runs during school holidays. These groups provide a safe space to share, learn, and grow together.
Therapeutic support
Fostering can be emotionally demanding, and we’re here to support your wellbeing. Foster carers have access to therapeutic support services designed specifically to help manage the personal challenges that can arise from the fostering role. This includes counselling and emotional support tailored to your needs.
Financial allowances
We offer competitive allowances for each child in your care, helping to cover the costs of daily living and ensuring you can provide a stable, nurturing environment. These payments reflect the commitment and care you provide.
24-hour emergency support
Support is available around the clock. Our 24-hour emergency line ensures that you’re never alone, no matter the time of day or night. Whether you need urgent advice or reassurance, help is just a phone call away.
Professional memberships
As a Surrey foster carer, you receive free membership to the Fostering Network and the National Association of Therapeutic Parents (NATP). These organisations offer additional resources, training, and advocacy to support your fostering journey.
The Mockingbird Family Model™
We are proud to offer the Mockingbird Family Model™, an innovative approach to fostering that creates extended family-style support networks. This model strengthens relationships, improves stability, and provides a sense of community for both carers and children.
Surrey Support Services
In addition to our core support offer, Surrey County Council provides a range of specialist services to help foster carers succeed.
Surrey Fostering Service Capital funding
We understand that providing a safe and nurturing home sometimes requires practical investment. That’s why we offer interest-free loans and grants to approved foster carers and Special Guardians. This funding can help with:
- Adapting your home to meet a child’s needs
- Purchasing a larger or more suitable vehicle
- Securing a property deposit
- Investing in technology or equipment to support your fostering role
Applications are assessed based on the child’s best interests, your fostering capacity, and your ability to manage repayments. This funding is designed to promote long-term stability and success in fostering arrangements.
Surrey Virtual School
The Surrey Virtual School supports the education of children in care. It works closely with foster carers, schools, and social workers to ensure every child receives the support they need to thrive academically and emotionally.
Independent Visitor Service
The Independent Visitor Service matches children in care with trained volunteers who offer friendship, consistency, and a listening ear. This service provides children with a trusted adult outside of their care team, helping to build confidence and self-esteem.
Ready to take the next step?
Book an initial visit with our fostering team to find out if fostering is right for you. It’s informal, informative, and there’s no obligation to proceed.
We’ll get in touch to arrange a time that works for you.