How to choose a foster agency

Fostering is deeply rewarding, but it’s not always easy — the support you receive is crucial.

Look for an agency that offers:

• Dedicated, local supervising social workers with time to truly get to know your family
• 24/7 phone support from someone who knows your case
• Peer support through local carer groups and events
• A culture that listens and responds to carers’ needs

At Wholistic, support isn’t just a process — it’s a relationship. We’re deliberately smaller, so you never feel like a number. You’ll know your social worker, and they’ll know you.

You deserve to understand how fostering will impact your finances.

Ask agencies:

• What is the weekly fostering allowance?
• Are additional expenses (birthdays, holidays, clothing) covered?
• Will I receive full support even with more complex placements?
• Are payments reliable and explained clearly?

At Wholistic, our generous allowances reflect the real costs of caring — and the incredible work our carers do. We’re upfront, transparent and here to talk honestly about fostering as both a vocation and a source of income.

Great foster carers never stop learning — and the right agency will invest in your growth.

You should expect:

• A thorough pre-approval training course (like Skills to Foster)
• A full programme of mandatory and optional courses
  
• Online and local training options for flexibility
• Ongoing development tailored to your interests and the children you care for

At Wholistic, training is led by fostering specialists and includes core topics as well as optional modules covering autism, therapeutic care, child exploitation, IT skills and more — all accessible through the Thrive learning platform.

While the essentials matter most, it's worth looking at what extras a fostering agency provides to make your experience better.

At Wholistic, you’ll benefit from:

• Free membership to The Fostering Network
  
• Regular carer events and community meet-ups
  
• Gifts, celebrations, and thank-you recognitions throughout the year

These small touches can make a big difference — especially when you’re going the extra mile for the child in your care.

You should feel part of something meaningful.

At Wholistic, our name says it all. We believe in care that considers the whole child — their emotional world, their identity, their future — and the whole family supporting them.

We’re not chasing size or numbers. We’re committed to providing therapeutic, child-centred care with community, quality and compassion at its heart. If that speaks to you, we may be the right fit.

All fostering agencies are inspected by Ofsted, so don’t hesitate to ask for their most recent rating.

While Wholistic is a newer agency, we’re already building a strong track record and are committed to transparency, quality assurance, and continuous improvement. Our leadership and social work teams are made up of seasoned professionals with decades of combined experience in fostering and children’s social care.

Hearing from other foster carers can give you a clearer picture than any brochure.

Ask:

• What do existing carers say about the agency’s support?
• Do children and young people feel heard and safe?
• Are carers listened to and involved in decision-making?

Wholistic carers regularly tell us that it’s the personal relationships, therapeutic guidance, and always-there support that set us apart. We’ll gladly put you in touch with an experienced carer for an honest conversation.

The best agencies don’t work in isolation — they collaborate with organisations that enhance the fostering experience.

At Wholistic, we partner with:

• Local authorities to find the right placement matches
• The Fostering Network for advocacy and training
• Therapeutic professionals across education, health, and social care
• Clinical experts within the wider Outcomes First Group (our parent company)

These connections strengthen the support we offer and ensure children get access to the specialist help they need.

Ask how long the agency has been operating and how experienced its local team is. A newer agency with an expert team can still offer depth and continuity — especially if it’s backed by a trusted provider.

Wholistic Fostering is a family owned agency, with over a decade of experience under the agency founders. This gives us the stability of a proven organisation while having the personalised feel of a local team.

Ultimately, the best fostering agency for you is the one that shares your values, supports your growth, and puts children’s wellbeing first.

If you want:

• Personalised, wraparound support
• A strong training and development pathway
• A Wholistic, values-led approach
• People who know your name and listen when you call

… then Wholistic Fostering could be the perfect place to start — or continue — your fostering journey.