Local Authority referrals
Fostering Information for Local Authorities
At AFA, we understand the complex challenges Local Authorities face in finding the right fostering arrangements for children and young people in care. Our commitment to excellence in foster care provision makes us a trusted partner for Local Authorities across Norfolk, Suffolk, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Nottinghamshire.
We provide carefully matched foster arrangements across a diverse range of care requirements, including:
Short term/Bridging
Long term/Permanent
Respite
Emergency
Unaccompanied Minors
Step Down
Parent and Child
Intensive/Therapeutic fostering
Solo foster homes
Transparent/inclusive pricing
Short-term and Bridging Care Arrangements
Our short-term fostering services provide crucial temporary care while permanent solutions are arranged. These care arrangements can last from a few days to several months, ensuring stability during transitions or family crises.
Long-term and Permanent Fostering
When children and young people need enduring stability, our long-term foster parents provide loving, permanent homes where they can flourish and develop into adulthood. These care arrangements focus on creating lasting relationships and consistent support throughout childhood.
Emergency Care Arrangements
Our dedicated foster parents are available 24/7 to provide immediate safe havens for children requiring urgent care. We understand the critical nature of emergency situations and can respond swiftly to Local Authority needs.
Stayover Care
Supporting both foster families and birth families, our stayover service offers planned breaks that benefit both parents and children. This essential service helps prevent breakdowns of care arrangements and supports family stability.
Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC)
We have extensive experience in supporting unaccompanied minors, providing culturally sensitive care arrangements with foster parents trained in trauma-informed practice and cultural competency.
Step-Down Care Arrangements
Specialising in transitions from residential care to family-based settings, our step-down programme supports young people in making successful moves to less intensive care arrangements.
Therapeutic Fostering
For children with complex emotional or behavioural needs, our therapeutic fostering service combines high-quality care with specialist support from mental health professionals and therapeutic practitioners.
Parent and Child Care Arrangements
Our specially trained foster parents support young parents in developing parenting skills while providing a safe environment for both parent and child. These care arrangements include comprehensive assessment and support services.
Solo Care Arrangements
When children require individual attention without other young people in the foster home, we provide dedicated solo fostering arrangements with experienced foster parents equipped to meet complex needs.
Our Commitment to Quality
Expert Matching Process
We pride ourselves on our thorough matching process, considering:
- The child’s individual needs and circumstances
- Foster parent skills and experience
- Geographic location and education continuity
- Cultural and religious requirements
- Existing family relationships and contact arrangements.
Professional Support Framework
Every care arrangement is supported by:
- Qualified social workers available 24/7
- Regular supervision and support visits
- Comprehensive training programmes for foster parents
- Access to therapeutic services when required
- Educational support services.
Transparent Pricing Structure
We believe in clear, honest communication about costs. Our pricing structure is:
- Fully inclusive with no hidden fees
- Competitive and value-focused
- Tailored to placement requirements
- Clearly documented and explained.
Working with Local Authorities
Our referral process is streamlined to ensure efficient placement matching:
- Initial enquiry and care arrangement request
- Detailed assessment of needs
- Careful matching with suitable foster parents
- Care arrangement planning and transition support
- Ongoing review and adjustment as needed.
Quality Assurance
- We are rated Outstanding by Ofsted
- Regular care arrangement reviews
- Outcomes monitoring and reporting
- Continuous improvement programme
- Regular feedback collection from children, young people, and local authorities.
Contact Us
To discuss your Local Authority’s fostering requirements or make a referral, please contact our duty team. Our experienced team is ready to respond to your enquiries promptly and professionally, ensuring the best possible outcomes for children and young people in care.
Making a referral?
To make a referral
01603 559 255
[email protected]
For emergency “out of hours” placements
Please call our out of hours service
01603 559 255
[email protected]
Get in touch to find out more about fostering.
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