If you are considering fostering, you may be thinking about whether to foster with East Riding of Yorkshire Council or whether to choose an Independent Fostering Agency (IFA). You may already foster with an IFA and wonder what you will gain from transferring.
We are very proud of our foster carers and the incredible work they do for our looked after children. We want to create the very best experiences, support and training so they, in turn, can provide the most loving, stable and supportive homes for our children and we will endeavour to make fostering the most fulfilling and rewarding experience you have ever had.
We provide:
- high-quality training and access to qualifications
- practical, social and emotional support
- fostering on a flexible basis, weekend, respite, short and long term
- a dedicated social worker committed to each foster carer's needs
- a generous allowance to support the child/children whilst in the care of the foster family
- an additional financial allowance to match your growing skills
- annual loyalty payment
- FREE membership to the gym and classes at East Riding Leisure Centres for all members of the fostering household
- regular FREE events exclusively for our foster carers.
Our in-house carers are our priority
All the referrals for children coming into care come to us first as a local authority, and as a general rule, we will place children with our in-house carers first. This means that by fostering with us you are unlikely to be waiting long for a placement. If we feel we can’t provide a suitable in-house match, only then will we consult outside agencies.
Not for profit
IFAs are run for profit by private equity investors, but as a local authority, we are not-for-profit; meaning that above all else, it’s the children who benefit from what we do.
Don’t just take it from us!
See what our foster carers say
In a recent survey, 100% of East Riding foster carers said they would recommend fostering for East Riding of Yorkshire Council:
Lynette says:
"We wanted to help children and families who were going through difficult times and we had the room in our hearts and in our home as a family. It’s been a joy to be part of the ‘happy ever after’ whatever that means for the individual child."
Alison says:
"I find the training invaluable, gaining not only an insight into children, but also people in general and I have gained a much deeper appreciation of why people behave the way they do. It has been a journey of discovery that I have enjoyed travelling down."
Chris says:
"Fostering for the East Riding feels like being part of a huge family. We get to meet up at events and at training. There’s always someone at the other end of the phone."
Paul says:
"Fostering changed my life, truly; the children have given as much back to me as I’ve given them. I can’t imagine being without children in my home and I am proud to be able to provide for their needs."
See what Ofsted says...
Ofsted feedback, 15 March 2022
'Foster carers have access to an impressively wide range of training opportunities which are coordinated and overseen by the fostering service and training officers. The additional offer of live webinars, access to the training hub and support from the National Association of Therapeutic Parents is further supporting foster carers. Foster carers who spoke with inspectors are overwhelmingly positive about the support offered during the pandemic and access to training and development. The foster carers believe that the training offer has improved and that the training helps them to provide effective care to children.'
Ofsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. They report directly to Parliament and are independent and impartial. Ofsted inspects and regulates services that care for children and young people including fostering agencies.
Read the latest Ofsted reports for East Riding of Yorkshire Council (external website)
Whether you are a prospective carer thinking about applying to foster, or an experienced carer wanting to transfer, we’d love for you to become part of East Riding fostering.