Blackpool

As a ‘not-for-profit’ organisation, Blackpool Rocks have a commitment to the children and young people in our community in care, to provide them with the best start we can. 

We couldn’t do this without people like you, offering to share your homes and families.

We really value everything our foster carers do.

We have put together a competitive package to ensure you are provided with everything you need. 

This means you can focus on the children’s and young people’s needs.

What we offer you as a foster carer

Payments and fees 

• Competitive foster care fee - based on a number of factors, such as, the amount of time you dedicate to fostering, the number of children you have and your experience
• Child maintenance allowance - covering the costs of everything that you need to care for a child such as food, clothing, transport, personal items and household expenses
• Allowances that cover things like birthdays, holidays and religious festivals (Christmas, EID etc)
• Tax relief - as a foster carer you'll be entitled to tax relief on your income from fostering, meaning you'll pay very little (or no) tax and national insurance
• Reimbursement for equipment to care for our children – prams, baby monitors, wardrobes, bedside cabinets, Moses baskets, high chairs, mattresses, car seats, bed frames, bunk beds if required, sterilizer or stair gates
• Petrol expenses - your mileage can be covered for certain trips you have to take
• Discounts for local services through the Blue Light card
• Refer a friend to become a foster carer allowance - £500
• Financial incentives for supporting with recruitment campaigns, training and interview

Support

• Access to out of hour’s advice line 365 days a year, available in the evenings and weekends
• Access to drop ins and interventions with our in house Child Psychologist - exclusive to our children
• Access to our Children and Carers Support Team who work specifically with foster carers, our children and young people
• Membership with Blackpool’s Foster Carer Association who organise social events for our fostering families
• Access to regular coffee mornings and quarterly foster carer forums
• Buddying and mentoring from our experienced carers
• Dedicated supervising Social Worker
• ID badge at point of approval, unlocking discounts in the local area for activities with the children and young people
• Full training programme including PACE training delivered by our in house Child Psychologist
• Annual Christmas Party event for the whole fostering family
• Membership to the Fostering Network - an independent agency which provides advice, support and advocacy to foster carers
• Opportunity to become part of one of our Mockingbird Constellations

Training and development 

There is a wide variety of high-quality training available to prospective and experienced carers, some is mandatory, whilst other courses can be tailored to your specific needs:

• Skills to Foster - a mandatory course that introduces fostering and all it entails
• Self-guided training - a range of courses online that you can complete at a time that suits you
• Online training - online group sessions, covering a range of different topics
• In-person training - covering a wide range of topics, available at different dates in various locations across the region

Read more about training and support

Why foster with your local council?

Help local children

Help to keep children in Blackpool - we try to keep children close to their friends, family and schools to maintain their familiar links.

Priority placements

You will get first priority for placements of children of all ages (within your approved age range).

Placement choice

We will find the best match for you and your family as we are responsible for all the children in care across Blackpool. Fostering with your local council means that you will not experience long periods of time without a placement, unless you choose to have a break.

We have lots of different types of fostering, so you can work with our teams to decide which type of placements will suit you and your family best.

Non-profit organisation

As a non-profit making organisation - all the money goes to providing the best service for the children.

Community

Feel part of a community - with foster carer associations run by our foster carers and regular social activities and events.

Become part of Blackpool’s biggest family - you’ll be amazed at just how many Blackpool foster carers live near you.