Our fostering community in Rotherham is built up of over 122 fostering families - and we’re still growing!
This Foster Care Fortnight, we’re shining a light on the amazing work our fostering community does to make sure every member feels supported and proud to be part of Fostering Rotherham.
“I have worked in the fostering recruitment team for 4 years now and have loved every minute, I get to meet some wonderful people who want to open up their home and heart to the children of Rotherham.
I’m always humbled by the stories of the children and the dedication of the fostering community from the carers to the social workers.” - Sarah, Fostering Rotherham Fostering Adviser
What is Foster Care Fortnight?
Every year, fostering providers across the UK come together during Foster Care Fortnight to raise awareness of how fostering can transform lives. The campaign is hosted by The Fostering Network, the UK’s leading fostering charity who are dedicated to supporting foster carers, improving opportunities for looked after children and providing expert guidance to fostering services across the country.
This year the campaign is running from the 9th-22nd May and we’re celebrating #FosteringCommunities! We’re highlighting the many ways in which our fostering community provides everyday support, guidance and friendship to help every member make a difference in the lives of children and young people.
Take a look at some of the ways you can get involved with the Fostering Rotherham community:
Regular support groups for foster carers and young people
Our community of carers host regular support groups, including a group for new carers so they can meet new friends and learn from other carers as they find their feet.
“The best thing about fostering is attending support groups and building up a support network with other carers” - Linda foster carer
We also host support groups for birth children of foster carers, where sons and daughters of carers come together to make friends with people in similar circumstances to them and seek support.
Find out more about the support available to foster carers and their families in Rotherham.
A buddy scheme for new carers
When you become a newly approved carer with Fostering Rotherham, you will have the opportunity to be paired with a buddy, an experienced carer with similar interests and circumstances to your own.
“All the carers have become good friends … it’s a very relaxed, fun atmosphere when we’re all together” - Michelle, foster carer
Local Mockingbird hubs
When you become a foster carer with Fostering Rotherham, you may have the opportunity to join one of our Mockingbird hubs. We’ll personally introduce you to Mockingbird hub carers in your area so you can begin meeting other carers straight away.
“We become an extended family for the children, so it feels very natural. They don’t have to go to strangers so much, because usually someone in the Hub will take over - a bit like aunties and uncles would. It does tend to very much feel like an extended family” - Michelle, foster carer
Our local Mockingbird hubs act as a central support system for foster families across an area. The hubs are other home matches, usually with an experienced foster carer, which provide a safe place for planned or emergency sleepovers and short breaks. They’re also a great place to seek advice and guidance from a friendly face!
Currently, Rotherham is home to 3 Mockingbird hubs in Conisbrough, Thurcroft and Maltby. If your local area isn’t on the list, don't worry! We are planning to expand our Mockingbird hubs across the Rotherham area to provide support for even more fostering families.
Find out more about the Mockingbird hubs.
“Mockingbird is great to create one big family, the kids know each other. You don’t tend to get that with IFAs." - Martin & Amanda, foster carers
Rotherham Foster Carers Association Facebook group
Along with face-to-face support, many of our carers also seek help and guidance via our popular Facebook group. Once you are approved as a Fostering Rotherham carer, you will have unlimited access to a wealth of knowledge and support from our friendly, online community.
“We never feel alone, we know where the support is if we need it.” - Tina, foster carer
Regular meet-ups and events
As well as our regular support groups, our community comes together for casual events such as coffee mornings and days out, so foster carers and children can meet up with friends and chat.
“We are really looking forward to being a part of the fostering community and being able to take the children to the parties and activities that are offered by Rotherham Council.” - Mel & Jamie, foster carers
Forums to recognise hard work
We love to celebrate all the hard work our foster carers do to provide a safe, stable and supportive environment for children and young people in the Rotherham borough. We host a bi-annual awards ceremony to recognise our amazing carers for the positive difference they make everyday.
“We love being part of the fostering community and making new friends , having fun and enjoying our fostering journey with other fostering families.” - Georgia, foster carer
Want to join our fostering community?
If you have any questions about fostering in Rotherham, book a call back with a member of our experienced team at a time that suits you. All our call backs are confidential.