Fostering Success: The Indispensable Role of Foster Carers in Children’s Education
June 23, 2023
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Foster carers can change the educational achievement of a child in fostering
About Fostering Hearts
Fostering Hearts: Dedicated to Supporting and Improving the Lives of Children in Foster Care
Fostering Hearts is a leading organization dedicated to supporting children in foster care so they can thrive and reach their full potential. We offer a range of foster care services, resources, and support to ensure the best possible care for every child. Our team of highly dedicated professionals are committed to providing compassionate, reliable support to both foster families and the children they take in.
We believe that every child has a unique spark inside of them, and our passion at Fostering Hearts is to help each individual find it, nurture it, and follow their dreams. Our priority is to provide a safe and supportive environment for children entering foster care and to match them with suitable approved foster carers with the help of Local Authority partners.
We understand how difficult this transition can be for children placed in foster care and strive to make it as smooth as possible through our unwavering support throughout the process. Because we believe that no child in foster care should be left behind or forgotten about, we work tirelessly to ensure they have the same right to thrive as any other child.
Join us in our mission to make a difference in the lives of children in foster care.
Exploring the journey of being a potential foster parent isn't something to be taken lightly. This guide will help you understand what fostering is, who needs fostering, and how you can apply to become a foster carer.
What is Fostering?
Fostering is more than just providing a home for a child in need, it's also about shaping their future. It’s about being that supportive, unrelenting presence a child needs to unlock their full potential. Our knowledge base offers a comprehensive understanding of fostering and answers all questions you might have.
Who Needs Fostering?
Children worldwide need loving homes, and many of them are closer than you think. At Fostering Hearts, we cover various areas, including Northamptonshire, where tremendously we've seen a surge in the need for foster services. Not sure if your area is included? No worries, simply book a call back to speak with our specialist.
The children we work with come from diverse backgrounds and circumstances. By exploring our dedicated page on who-needs-fostering, you'll get a clearer picture of the types of children currently in need of foster families.
How can you be part of fostering?
As one of the leading fostering agencies based in the home counties in England, we’re here to guide you through the process of becoming a foster carer. The application process is thorough, ensuring that every potential foster carer can provide the safe, nurturing environment each child deserves.
Fostering isn't a voluntary endeavor - foster carers are professionally trained individuals who receive an allowance to cover the costs associated with caring for a child. More details about fostering finances can be found in the About Fostering - Financing section.
"When I had more lingering questions about becoming a foster carer, the Frequently Asked Questions section of the website was a goldmine of information. Even now, I check it for updates." - Happy Foster Carer.
Becoming a foster parent requires both financial stability and emotional resilience. If you're ready to embark on this rewarding journey, here’s how you can start fostering.
Financial Aspects of Fostering with Fostering Hearts
Choosing to become a foster carer is gratifying and fulfilling. It is also an important responsibility that comes with certain financial implications. At Fostering Hearts, we aim to alleviate financial worries so that you can focus primarily on providing a nurturing environment for the child in your care.
Foster carers with Fostering Hearts receive a weekly allowance as part of our commitment to supporting them in their fostering journey. This allowance is designed to cover all the costs related to the care of the child and to recognize the essential role that our foster carers play.
Foster Carer Allowances
Fostering Hearts is proud to honour the significant effort, time, and love invested by our foster carers with a generous weekly allowance. Our foster carer allowances for each age category are as follows:
- Children aged 0-9 years: £450 per week
- Children aged 11 years and above: £475 per week
This allowance is designed to cover the child’s expenses, including:
- Food and clothing
- School and extracurricular activities
- Travel costs
- Personal care items
- Pocket money
- Savings for the child
The allowance is also meant to acknowledge your dedication as a foster carer. It is not simply a reimbursement – it is recognition of the valuable contribution you make to both the child and society.
Relieving Financial Stress
The financial implication of fostering a child should not be a burden or stressful. Fostering Hearts ensures you have all the required resources, allowing you to provide a safe, nurturing environment for the child in your care.
Considering the most common questions we get concerning fostering finances, we hope this guide has demystified the process and made it clear, understandable and less daunting.
“At Fostering Hearts, we want foster parents to know that they’re not alone when it comes to raising a child in care. Our team of dedicated professionals is here to provide unwavering support and resources every step of the way, so they can ensure their foster children have the best future possible.”
Rahima Kadir, Registered Manager
About Our Agency
Fostering Hearts was born as an offshoot of our sister agency, Greater London Fostering. Why? Because we firmly believed that our carers (who weren’t London-based) deserved a highly-specialised, locally-focused agency that prioritises the unique needs and challenges of their area.
Since our formation in 2020, we have continued to grow and flourish. Presently, we support approximately 20 children and 15 families who are scattered across Southern England and the Midlands.
While our team is incredibly proud of our accomplishments, we are even more proud of our outstanding carers and the beautiful children they care for.
Our Promise To You
Financial Support
Our Allowances:
£450 Per Week (aged 0-10)
£475 Per Week (aged 11+)
£450 Per Week (aged 0-10)
£475 Per Week (aged 11+)
Respectful
We treat foster carers as central to the team, not an after thought. Our carers are always treated with the respect their positions deserve.
Dependable
We do what we say we'll do, when we say we'll do it! Our carers and our children know our word is out bond and they can depend on us.
Meet Our Fantastic Team
There are too many people to introduce you to everyone at Fostering Hearts, but it’s important you meet some of the key people.
Rahima Kadir
Registered Manager
Rahima has been part of the Positive Aspirations family for over 10 years, and during that time has grown and developed to where she is now, one of our managers.
Melanie Yearwood
Responsible Individual
Melanie joined Positive Aspirations more than 10 years ago, and now is the RI and operations manager for our 3 agencies.
Richard Norwood
Agency Director
Richard’s parents founded the group more than 25 years ago, and since 2020 he has been in over charge of the strategy and growth of the agencies.
Ahmez Acharaz
Finance Manager
Ahmez is a qualified accountant by training, and is responsible for all things finance in the group.
Words from Our Carers
“Fostering Hearts has provided me and my family with invaluable support in being a foster parent. With the constant encouragement, we have been able to provide a loving home for our foster child.”
28.02.21 Susan S 
“I was extremely hesitant about taking on fostering at first, but Fostering Hearts put us at ease by providing all the information and guidance we needed. They are an incredible resource for foster parents!”
12.06.22 Jenna L. 
"Fostering is one of the best decisions my husband and I have made in our lives – with the help of Fostering Hearts care and guidance we've been able to make a real difference in our foster child's life"
07.05.22 Dani G. 
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Training For Foster Carers…It doesn’t stop at approval
June 20, 2023
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Fostering Hearts is a community where every child’s story matters. Our dedicated foster carers navigate the ever-changing journey of foster care, guided by comprehensive training and a heart full of love. They transform lives, one child at a time, inspired by our belief in lifelong learning. Discover their inspiring stories and the role of continuing education in shaping these narratives.
A Farewell Journey: Emotionally Navigating the End of a Foster Care Placement
June 15, 2023
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Explore the emotional journey a foster carer embarks on when saying goodbye to a child in care. Learn how to navigate feelings of loss, utilise support networks, and the notable role of a foster carer during this transition.
Things I Should Have Know Before Fostering
June 7, 2023
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There are some things I wish knew before applying to foster
The Pride Of Being A LGBTQ+ Foster Carer
June 2, 2023
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LGBTQ+ Foster Carers: Providing Love and Support to Children in Need in the Midlands and Home Counties Fostering a child is a life-changing experience, both
What Would Disqualify Me From Being A Foster Carer?
May 31, 2023
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Fostering is a rewarding journey that requires careful evaluation of your personal circumstances. Some factors that could disqualify you from becoming a foster carer include specific criminal records, lack of space, health conditions, personal circumstances, and financial instability. However, many individuals with diverse backgrounds successfully become foster carers. To determine your eligibility, reach out to a reputable fostering agency and start a conversation about your suitability for fostering.