Foster with your local council authority, or with an independent fostering agency?

What is Local Council / Local Authority Fostering?

Local authorities (LAs) are responsible for the care and welfare of children within their communities. Fostering through a local authority means working directly with the council’s children’s services, who are often the first to engage with children entering the care system.

What is an Independent Fostering Agency?

Independent fostering agencies (IFAs), like Blue Sky Fostering, were established to assist local authorities by providing additional resources and support. IFAs have helped to alleviate the demand for foster carers, especially for children with complex needs who may benefit from specialized care and dedicated support.

As an IFA, Blue Sky Fostering recruits, trains, supports and advocates for foster carers. We have close working relationships with local authorities to provide high-quality care for children in need.

When choosing between fostering with an independent agency or a local authority fostering, here are some important factors to consider:

Support, Training, and Specialised Foster Care

If you’re looking for comprehensive support and in-depth fostering training, an independent agency may be the better fit. Blue Sky Fostering provides our carers with 24/7 support and extensive fostering training opportunities. In addition to short-term and long-term placements, we offer various specialist types of fostering/training, including parent and child placements, to ensure our carers feel confident and prepared. Part of our support networks include plenty of events and groups for foster carers, extended family members and the young people in your care.

Placement Preferences and Availability

Local authorities often offer more immediate placements due to their direct role in placing children. So, if you want to start fostering quickly, this could be the right option for you. At Blue Sky Fostering, we take a personalised approach to matching ensuring that each child and foster carer are well suited to one another’s lifestyles. This can often mean a longer wait before you start fostering.

Each Local Council/ Local Authority and Independent Fostering Agency are unique.

It should be added that it’s impossible to generalise local authorities or independent fostering agencies. Some local authorities and independent fostering agencies are brilliant [we like to think you can include Blue Sky Fostering in that group], but equally, there are always organisations that fall short of the mark! The best way to truly discover the best option for you is to do your own research. Speak with other foster carers, find out their pain points, and then question your local council and agencies about how they manage particular aspects such as training, support or care.

Both independent agencies and local authorities provide valuable pathways to becoming a foster carer. The best choice depends on your personal preferences, support needs, and circumstances. Whether you choose local authority fostering or an independent foster agency, your commitment can make an incredible difference in the lives of the children you care for.

If you’re based in Southern England and want to learn more about fostering with an independent agency, get in touch with Blue Sky Fostering.

We are always happy to talk through options, offer information and help you to decide upon the right fostering path for you.