Fosterline
Freephone 0800 040
7675 or email fosterline@fostering.net
Fosterline, the confidential advice line for foster carers, provides independent, impartial advice about fostering issues, including:
- concerns about a child's future
- allegations and complaints
- changes in legislation
- financial matters
As well as providing information, Fosterline is able to advise foster carers on how to take the next step in dealing with any fostering-related problem and offers advice on how to access other services and support.
Extended opening hours due to popular demand
In response to feedback from users, Fosterline has extended its open hours and is now open from 9am until 8pm on Wednesdays, and from 9am to 5pm as usual on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (except bank holidays).
Freephone: 0800 040 7675
Textphone users: dial 18001 then 0800 040 7565 (for typetalk service)
Email: fosterline@fostering.net
Address: PO Box 51566, London, SE1 8WJ
Fosterline goes from strength to strength
Fosterline is continuing to build its reputation as the leading source of independent, specialist advice for foster carers throughout England. During August 2007 the service received its 12,000th enquiry. The most popular and immediate way of contacting Fosterline is via the freephone number 0800 040 7675.
Foster carers continue to seek information and advice about every aspect of fostering. For the first time in three years problems relating to allegations against foster families are not the most common reason for enquiry. In recent months issues to do with welfare benefits and tax credits have been the biggest reason for a call to Fosterline. In addition, hundreds of callers have been enquiring about income tax and national insurance, and the level of allowances paid to cover the cost of fostering.
Other very common reasons for an enquiry include allegations, the approval process, arrangements for young people leaving care, understanding the law and also care plans for fostered children. In addition, relatives and friends of children who are offering to become their foster carers (“kinship carers”) regularly seek advice and guidance from Fosterline.
Fosterline is run by the Fostering Network under contract with the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF). In addition to helping individual foster carers and others directly involved in fostering, Fosterline provides information and statistics to the DCSF on the whole range of challenges faced by foster carers. In this way Fosterline is making a positive contribution to the policy discussions and developments linked to the Government’s 2007 White Paper, Care Matters – Time for Change.
Fosterline is open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) and it also remains open until 8pm on Wednesday evenings. In addition, any foster carer can leave an answerphone message 24 hours a day, using the same freephone number 0800 040 7675, and a Fosterline worker will ring back the same day, or on the next working day.
The 2006-07 Fosterline annual report
Our annual report for 2006-07 was published in August 2007. Download the 2006-07 Fosterline annual report
