Support During an Allegation as a Foster Carer | Guidance & Resources

Most foster carers find the experience of an allegation very stressful.

They are often shocked, frightened, angry and feel very alone. Some foster carers have told us they feel ‘guilty until proven innocent’.

A reliable, positive support system can be a lifeline to foster carers. In addition to the support from friends, family and their extended support network, we offer a range of support that foster carers facing an allegation can access.

Our guide to allegations, concerns and complaints

We have produced a comprehensive guide designed to help foster carers understand what is likely to happen if an allegation is made against them or a member of their family. It costs £3 for members and £6 for non-members and contains:

an explanation of what allegations are and why they are made
suggestions of good practice to minimise the risk of an allegation
advice about what to do if an allegation is made
advice on how to seek legal support in the event of an allegation
information on what might happen once an allegation has been made
sources of further assistance and independent support

Buy our Allegations Signpost

Independent support

In England, providing independent support during an allegation is a requirement under the Fostering National Minimum Standards (England). In Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, providing support that is independent of the fostering service is not a requirement, but it is recognised as best practice for fostering services to arrange this for their foster carers.

Many fostering services have their own arrangements for providing independent support during a safeguarding investigation, but this is not universal. If an independent support person is made available to you, they will be able to provide:

information and advice about the process
emotional support
mediation between the foster carer and the fostering service and/or advocacy (including attendance at meetings and fostering panel), if needed.

The Fostering Network can provide independent support to foster carers via their fostering service through a variety of routes, including our unique and long-established advice and mediation service in England, and independent support in England and Wales. Find out more about our independent support services.

Our advice lines

All foster carers who are facing an allegation can access our advice lines for support, information and advice, regardless of whether their fostering service has offered them independent support. Our advice lines provide confidential, impartial information and advice for foster carers and fostering services, in all four nations of the UK.

Contact our friendly advisers.

Legal protection insurance

We provide our members with access to a legal protection insurance scheme. Our retired foster carer membership extends this insurance to members who are no longer fostering. Find out more about our legal protection insurance or how to become a member with us.