Partner Support

All foster carers need and deserve support for the important job they do. We're coming together as Foster with North East, a collaborative project between 12 local authorities across the North East of England, to offer even more support to prospective and newly-approved foster carers.

We know the fostering application process can seem, in equal parts, exciting and daunting. There are forms, interviews and training to take on whilst getting on with every day life. But having someone on hand to guide you through the process from day one until that special moment where you welcome your first placement, and beyond, makes everything that little bit simpler.

With Foster with North East, you always have someone you can contact to find answers to your questions - no matter how big or small.

We're here to provide transparency about the approval process and what you can expect from the reality of life as a foster carer too. Think of us as your fostering information hub, navigators for the approval process and a listening ear when you need it.

Which local authority partners are working together in Foster with North East?

The 12 local authorities from across the North East of England who make up Foster with North East are joining forces to recruit potential foster carers. We also offer a single united support hub for foster carer enquiries and newly-qualified carers. You can find out about the individual offering of each Foster with North East partner by visiting the individual partner profile pages:

Darlington Borough Council Durham County Council Gateshead Council Hartlepool Borough Council Middlesbrough Council Newcastle City Council North Tyneside Council Northumberland County Council Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council South Tyneside Council Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council Together for Children

How will Foster with North East partners working collaboratively help foster carers, children and young people?

We need more foster carers across the region to share their homes and shape the lives of the rising number of children coming into care in our communities.

The partners within Foster with North East have committed to working together more closely to find the right homes in the right place, at the right time, for children across our region.

We want to raise awareness of who can foster and the different roles within fostering that you may not know about.

Help and support for prospective and newly-approved North East Foster Carers

Foster with North East will work alongside your local authority to help you prepare for your fostering journey and offer specialised support for your application milestones along the way. Our hub provides a fixed point of contact for the application journey. Foster with North East advisers are knowledgeable about the foster care approval process and the role of foster care in our region. The team will help you navigate your fostering journey, so you know what to expect and feel prepared.

There are core support elements that foster carer applicants and newly approved foster carers can access across all partner authorities, including:

A dedicated phone line you can call at any time to ask questions, find out about the process and seek support and advice.
Training events led by a specialist team to introduce you to the realities of foster care and prepare you for fostering.

Once you become an approved foster carer, you will also be able to access the support and ongoing training from your local authority provider.

North East foster carer support groups and networking

Individual partners run their own support groups in their area to connect you to other fostering families in your local area once approved. As a Foster with North East foster carer, you will also have the opportunity to:

Learn from experienced foster carers through the foster carer mentor buddy scheme.
Join the Mockingbird programme of networked family support for foster carers, if suitable for your circumstances.

You can find out more about additional elements of support offered by our local authority partners in our partner profile section.

Register for Foster with North East support

To register your interest in fostering in the North East you can get in touch or call 0800 917 7771, our hub advisers are ready and waiting.