Children and families

Friends and family: Support we give you

We offer an extensive package of benefits designed to make family and friends fostering a positive experience for you and the children in your care.

Financial and practical support

Following your assessment and approval, you will get:

  • a weekly children’s allowance
  • a weekly foster carer fee
  • 100% Council Tax relief
  • £500 set-up grant for essential equipment and furniture
  • an emergency clothing allowance
  • a school uniform allowance when children start a new school
  • £100 18th birthday allowance for foster carers for young people in their care
  • discount cards for nationwide savings
  • reduced Costco business and executive membership

Lifestyle and recognition rewards

Following your assessment and approval, you will be eligible for:

  • Free household membership at Liverpool's Lifestyles Centres
  • Holiday caravan breaks at Presthaven Resort
  • Annual Christmas parties for foster families
  • Monthly newsletters and forums to keep you connected
  • Long-service celebrations and special recognition events
  • Referral bonus
  • Up to £1,000 reward for successful foster carer referrals

The support we give

Our family and fostering team will ensure you get:

  • your own fostering social worker
  • access to Family Support Workers
  • access to duty workers during office hours and 24/7 out-of-hours support
  • access to Independent Reviewing Officers

Peer and professional support

You will also peer and professional support which includes:

  • Foster Care Association membership
  • A Foster Carer Mentor which is a buddy system
  • Monthly forums with guest speakers
  • Support groups membership
  • Membership to FosterTalk for independent advice
  • Access to NYAS (advocacy), YPAS (wellbeing), and Liverpool Safeguarding Partnership

Training and development opportunities

Core Courses: Safer Care, Safeguarding, Paediatric First Aid, Attachment, Recording Skills, Understanding Your Role, and more.

Specialist Courses: ASD Awareness, Child Exploitation, Sleep Strategies, Nurturing Programme, Life Story Work, and more.

How to contact us

Please complete our online contact form (fostering.liverpool.gov.uk) and we'll be in touch with you within 48 hours.