The Fostering Network advice lines

Our advice lines provide information, advice, support and signposting on all issues affecting foster carers and fostering services, anywhere in the UK.

If you're new to The Fostering Network, or haven't spoken to us before, you can read about who we can help, how we can help, and how you can get the most out of your call.

Fosterline Northern Ireland

  • Call us on 028 9164 1152
  • Email us on fosterlineni@fostering.net
  • We are open from 9.30am - 1.30pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). If you hear a recorded message, it means we're on another call or we are closed. Please leave us a message, clearly stating your name, telephone number and postcode. We will always return your call as soon as possible.

Fosterline Wales

  • Call us on 0800 316 7664
  • Email us on fosterlinewales@fostering.net
  • We're open from 9.30am - 12.30pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). If you hear a recorded message, it means we're on another call or we're closed. Please leave us a message, clearly stating your name and telephone number. We will always return your call as soon as possible.
  • Fosterline Wales is funded by the Welsh Government. You can speak to someone in English or in Welsh.

Fosterline Scotland

  • Call us on 0141 204 1400
  • Email us on fosterlinescotland@fostering.net
  • We are open from 10am - 4pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). Evening calls with a Fosterline Scotland adviser may be available by request. Please get in touch with us to see what is possible. If you hear a recorded message, it means we're on another call or we're closed. Please leave us a message, clearly stating your name and telephone number. We will always return your call as soon as possible.
  • Fosterline Scotland is funded by Scottish Government.

Fosterline England

  • Call us on 0800 040 7675
  • Email us on enquiries@fosterline.info
  • We’re open from 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays)
  • Fosterline England is operated by The Fostering Network on behalf of the Department for Education.

I'm facing an allegation

If you are a foster carer and experience an allegation made against you, this can be very stressful. You might feel shocked, angry, frightened and alone. Our advice lines are here for you. We can advise you on what happens next and make sure you access legal and expert advice. If you are a foster carer member of The Fostering Network who has been subject to an allegation, and our helplines are closed, you can call the Legal Advice Line on 01384 885 734. It is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

I'm looking for legal advice or representation

The Fostering Network advice lines cannot give you legal advice. Instead, we can talk through issues with you in general terms, and signpost you to specialist organisations if you need more help. Foster carer members of The Fostering Network can access a 24-hour legal helpline for expert advice on allegations and help with any legal queries.

I'm looking for professional emotional support

We're here to listen, understand and help you to move forward, but we can't provide counselling or ongoing emotional support. Members of The Fostering Network can access completely confidential professional emotional support when things get overwhelming. The service, operated by Care First, is staffed by trained counsellors offering emotional support, advice and information.

Member Helpline – exclusively for members of The Fostering Network

 

  • Call us on 020 7401 9582
  • Email us on memberhelpline@fostering.net
  • We're open from 10am - 3pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays).
  • We operate a call back service, so please leave us a message clearly stating your name, telephone number and postcode (if you are a foster carer). We will always call you back and aim to do so within one working day. We try to respond to emails within five working days, following confirmation of membership.

 

If you would like to become a member of The Fostering Network, or have a question about your membership, including any problems accessing the members' area of our website, please contact our Membership team.

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