Introduction

The Foster Carers Handbook has been written for all foster carers approved by City of York Council.

The handbook reflects policies, procedure and guidance for the fostering service and covers many common situations faced by foster carers on a day to day basis. It has been written in an accessible way to help you understand what your fostering service requires of you. To access the full version of the City of York Council fostering service policies, procedure and guidance, please click here.

It has links to the Minimum Standards for Fostering Services and the relevant Training, Support and Development (TSD) Standards. You should also use the handbook to support your learning and development, particularly in relation to meeting the TSD Standards.

Foster carers play an important role in the lives of Looked After Children and their families and it is important that you have the necessary tools to support you with this task. The handbook is one of those tools, and should be used in conjunction with the support you will receive from the many professionals you will work with including your Supervising Social Worker and other foster carers.

For guidance about how to use this handbook please see our Getting Started with this Handbook.