Become a Back-Up Carer

At Family Works Fostering, we know that fostering is a rewarding role, but even the most dedicated foster carers sometimes need a helping hand. That’s why we encourage our foster carers to have a trusted back-up carer who can provide short-term support when needed.

Becoming a back-up carer is a fantastic way to support a fostering household you already know, helping to provide stability for children while giving foster carers the flexibility to attend appointments, training, family commitments, or simply enjoy a well-earned break.

What Is a Back-Up Carer?

A back-up carer is someone who is known and trusted by an approved foster carer and is willing to provide occasional support when required.

Rather than becoming a full-time foster carer, you’ll be there to offer practical help during times when the main foster carer needs additional support.

This could include:

• Providing care while foster carers attend appointments
• Supporting carers during training or support groups
• Helping during family emergencies
• Offering planned respite
• Staying in the fostering household when appropriate
• Supporting children with familiar routines and continuity of care

Because children already know you, your support helps minimise disruption and provides reassurance during temporary changes.

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Who Can Become a Back-Up Carer?

The great news is that becoming a back-up carer is flexible.

If you already know a fostering family and have some availability, you may be able to become their approved back-up carer.

You don’t need to give up your current job or change your lifestyle. Many back-up carers continue with their normal work and family commitments, providing support around their existing schedule.

Whether you can help occasionally during the day, in the evenings, or at weekends, your support can make a real difference.

What Does the Assessment Involve?

To ensure children remain safe and well supported, all back-up carers complete a simple assessment process before they can provide care.

This includes:

• A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
• Suitability assessment
• Home and safeguarding checks where appropriate
• Meeting with Family Works Fostering

Once approved, you’ll work closely with both the foster carer and Family Works Fostering to provide support whenever it’s needed.

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Can I Foster?

Training and Support

Although back-up carers are not full-time foster carers, we want you to feel confident in your role.

Family Works Fostering provides training across a variety of fostering topics, helping you understand:

• The needs of children in care
• Safeguarding
• Trauma and attachment
• Communication and emotional support
• Your responsibilities as a back-up carer

Our training helps you feel prepared, supported, and ready to step in whenever required.

Why Become a Back-Up Carer?

Being a back-up carer is a rewarding opportunity to make a positive difference without taking on the responsibilities of full-time fostering.

You’ll be helping to:

• Support local foster families
• Give children consistency and stability
• Allow foster carers to recharge
• Strengthen successful fostering placements
• Become part of a supportive fostering community

Even a few hours of your time can have a lasting impact.

Can I Become a Back-Up Carer?

If you have some availability and are willing to provide occasional support to a fostering household you already know, you could become a back-up carer.

Whether you’re working, retired, or balancing family life, we’ll discuss your availability and help determine how you can best support a foster family.

Interested in Becoming a Back-Up Carer?

If you’d like to find out more about becoming a back-up carer or supporting a fostering household you know, we’d love to hear from you. Call us on 01702 597797 or email us at: admin@fw-fostering.co.uk

Our team will be happy to explain the process and answer any questions you may have.

FAQs: Back-Up Carer