Welcome to the Dorset Foster Carers Handbook

The handbook reflects policies, procedure and guidance for the fostering service which cover many common situations faced by foster carers on a day to day basis. It has been written in an accessible way to help you understand the sort of things that your fostering service requires of you. It has been designed for new and existing foster carers and deals with the day to day practicalities you may face.

It has links to the Minimum Standards for Fostering Services and references to the relevant Training, Support and Development Standards. You should also use the handbook to support your learning and development, particularly in relation to meeting the induction standards.

Every document includes a feedback link, so you can tell us, if you wish, how useful the document is, if you  spot any errors please tell us so that we can improve the Handbook. We look forward to hearing from you!

Foster carers play an important role in the lives of Looked After Children and their families so it is important that you have the necessary tools to support you with this task. The handbook is one of these tools alongside the many professionals you will work with including your Supervising Social Worker and other foster carers.

This is the start of a great journey for you and the children and young people you may work with.

The content is accessible via the subsection links on the right-hand side or to view the full contents list, please click here.

Click here for how to view on your mobile.

Other Dorset Manuals you may find helpful: Procedures Manuals