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FOSTER LEGAL SERVICES

ALLEGATIONS SUPPORT TEAM (AST)

At FosterTalk, we recognise that allegations, complaints, or concerns over standards of care can leave Foster Carers feeling worried, isolated, and uncertain about their future in fostering. The Allegations Support Team (AST, formerly known as FISS) have the experience, knowledge, and compassion to ensure the cares are fully supported, informed and guided throughout the allegations process.

They offer essential emotional support for carers, during what can be a very difficult and distressing time.

Foster care allegations support
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Often Foster Carers don’t know how to respond when they are informed that an allegation has been made against them and are unsure of the process involved, this is where AST can help. In line with the National Minimum Standards (NMS) 22.12, Wales 22.9 and best practice advice in Scotland and Northern Ireland, Fostering Organisations should ensure that their Foster Carers are offered independent support, advice and guidance about the allegations process.

Carers should also receive emotional support and if needed, be offered a service that can provide mediation and/or advocacy between the Foster Carer and the Fostering Organisation (including attendance at meetings and panel hearings).

The Allegations Support Team (AST) are dedicated to providing professional, independent advice, and support for foster carers across the UK.

Our team of independent advisors and experts have real-life experience in managing foster legal services and complaints. Each advisor is independent of the fostering organisation and works in partnership with their foster carers to provide essential support including:

  • Objective advice and guidance on all aspects of the allegations process
  • 1-2-1 confidential, responsive, and personal support
  • Mediation between the foster carer and their fostering service
  • Attendance at foster care support groups
  • Attendance at meetings relating to the allegation, concern or complaint and support at panel hearings.
TESTIMONIAL
Our AST advisor, Paul has been invaluable with supporting us through the investigation into the care we provide foster children. The very organisation that we work for alienated us and treated us like criminals, with absolutely no support. We were completely lost until Paul came along and without him we couldn’t have got through this. What makes him exceptional is the fact that he has been through this process himself and really understands what you are going through. This enabled us to trust him and follow his advice. He always called when he said he would and was always on hand when we needed him.

2023 STATS

We provided essential support to over 450 foster carers faced with an allegation.

We contacted all
referrals within
one working day
of the initial inquiry.

We scored 4.7/5 for
our service to carers.

Of fostering services and
foster carers would
recommend us to their peers.

HOW TO GET IN TOUCH

FOSTERING
ORGANISATIONS

Click here to make a referral for Independent Allegations Support.

We will provide a response within one working day from receipt of the referral.

allegations against foster carers support by Foster Talk
FOSTER CARERS
If you have received an allegation and would like to discuss support that the Allegations Support Team can offer please contact us on 0121 758 5013 or email AllegationsAdmin@fostertalk.org and leave your number for a call back.
DOWNLOAD OUR GUIDE TO ALLEGATIONS HERE
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