MATCH FOSTER CARE
Independent Fostering Agency in Stoke on Trent area
If you are looking to change a child’s life for the better with foster care in Stoke, joining Match Foster Care could be just the thing. Match is unusual in having an office right in the heart of Stoke. We know the city and the area really well: some of our staff grew up in and around Stoke. Countless young people and children between the ages of 0 and 17 need the love and safety of foster homes in Stoke on Trent. As a family-owned fostering company in Staffordshire, we are proud to support you and prepare you for the role that lies ahead. We won’t sugar-coat the realities of fostering: we’ll tell all the rewards and all the challenges. And with our local and easily accessible support you will feel truly prepared for the role that lies ahead and feel part of a genuine team.
Why choose Match Foster Care in Stoke on Trent
At Match Foster Care, we have been an independent foster agency, supporting children and their foster carers, since we were first established in 2012. With an office in Stoke, we are not just pretending to be local and available. We truly are. We are always just a short car journey away. Our foster carers regularly drop into our Stoke office when passing by, just to catch up on news and say hello.
We understand that becoming a foster carer is a big step. You will want to know exactly what to expect, and you will want to be sure that you will receive all the support you and your family need. Don’t worry. As part of your preparation to foster, you will hear from the real experts in fostering: our foster carers and our fostered young people. We will provide opportunities to have all your questions answered from those who know what it’s really like.
We are run by experienced social workers, which means we know exactly what difference foster parents can make in the life of a child. Additionally, you’ll be surrounded by multidisciplinary professionals at every step of the way, providing you with the tools and advice you need to help a child achieve their full potential including the following:
- a registered nurse
- support workers
- education workers
- a therapeutic practitioner
What to expect from Match Foster Care Fostering Agencies in Stoke
An independently registered fostering agency which has been rated as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. As a team, we strive to maintain our high standards to ensure the best outcomes for the children in our care.
Access to a range of professionals to support the health, education and well-being needs of children. Foster carers are also provided with a 24/7 support line, so that there is always immediate help and advice when needed.
Fostering allowance to support you financially. The amount you’ll be paid depends on the type of fostering you do in Stoke and how long for. You can find out more by visiting the finance calculator on our website.
Openness and acceptance to a wide range of foster carers. So long as you pass our background checks, our priority is on the standard of care that can be provided rather than your age, race or similar demographics.
Training is provided to equip you with all the skills you need as a new or existing foster carer. Our founder has personal experience of the fostering system, giving us unique and empathetic insights.
A challenging yet ultimately highly rewarding experience, helping young people local to the Stoke area who have an urgent need for care. As a team, we work together to provide the very best outcomes for children throughout the Midlands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there is always a need for foster parents right across the UK, including here in Staffordshire.
If you are considering fostering in Stoke-on-Trent, your contribution will be greatly valued as we look to ensure that all children who require care in the area are able to be accommodated.
We have a requirement for various foster care types, including short term, long term, respite and sanctuary-seeking fostering.
If you’re unfamiliar with the fostering process, rest assured we’ll be with you to guide you through everything you need to know.
Anyone who wants to foster in Stoke will need to complete an application, so that your suitability can be determined, which will also involve some background checks.
We’ll also take the time to meet you to find out your motivations for wanting to foster, so that we can see what qualities you could bring to the process.
From there, your application will be considered based on an assessment and a review by our Fostering Panel.
Successful applicants will be given access to a range of training and support to best equip them for becoming a foster parent. This support will continue during your placement to promote the best outcomes for the children in your care.
There is no age limit to providing foster care services as long as you are fit and healthy enough to look after a child. Some foster parents are in their 60s and 70s.
Foster parents need to be responsible and fit enough to care for a young person. Stoke and other UK fostering agencies expect you to be available when the child needs you, even on short notice, such as if the child falls ill at school. But if you can make yourself available when required, there is nothing preventing you from maintaining a part-time role as a foster parent. We are proud to be one of the few foster care agencies in the UK that consider matching carefully, so you don’t need to be available at all times to become a foster parent.
It can make sense for short-term placements, as you may need to secure your income. We work with you to determine the best placement match for your situation.
You do not need to be British, but you will need to be a UK resident or have an indefinite leave to remain.
Additionally, you do not need to be a homeowner. But it is important to provide the child with a spare bedroom.
Reach out to our experts at Match Foster Care for all queries about how to foster a child and pass the fostering assessment.
As a foster parent, we expect you to be responsible and fit enough to care for a child between the ages of 0 and 17.
Foster parents are self-employed. But you can still work while being a foster carer as long as it doesn’t impede your fostering. If you wish to keep a job, a part-time role is best suited for your career in foster care services. We do not require you to be available at all times. Part of our assessment process is to evaluate whether you have enough availability.
You must be a UK resident or have indefinite leave to remain to provide fostering services in Dudley.
You must be able to provide the child in your care with a spare bedroom. But you don’t need to own your home.
Are you unsure whether you qualify to become a foster parent? Don’t hesitate to contact our team at Match Foster Care for all your questions about how to foster a child.
Yes, Match Foster Care is thrilled to announce that it has achieved an ‘Outstanding’ rating in its latest Ofsted inspection. If you are considering applying for fostering in Stoke-on-Trent, this exceptional rating reflects the high standards and commitment to excellence in our fostering services.
Yes! Match Foster Care has a dedicated office based in Vale Street in Stoke.
So whether you’re here because you’re in search of an ‘Ofsted outstanding fostering agency near me’, ‘private foster care agencies near me, or simply ‘fostering agencies near me’ we can not only meet but also exceed these requirements.
That’s because not only were we rated ‘Outstanding’ at our last Ofsted inspection, but we also provide our foster carers in Stoke with a wide range of support packages.
Absolutely! At Match Foster Care, we strive to be the best fostering agency in Stoke-on-Trent.
As part of our efforts, we want to help you understand everything that’s involved in fostering, whether you have fostered before or are new to the process.
Our friendly team would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. For instance, explaining more about the types of fostering we need, what the assessment process involves or the types of support we can provide you with.
Please give our Stoke office a call on +441782841190 or fill out our contact form and we’ll be with you shortly.
MFC - The Foster Agency Near You
Our fostering agency covers the West Midlands, however prospective foster parents can meet our dedicated social workers in different locations including Birmingham, Worcestershire, Dudley, Sandwell, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Warwickshire, Stoke, Solihull, Coventry and Gloucestershire.
