BACK TO BLOG46% of foster carers report having been subject to an allegation in the past, with the majority of cases being deemed unfounded or unsubstantiated.
Allegations are made for a variety of reasons, often as a result of a child’s past experiences having been very traumatic. It can be a stressful time, but there are support networks available that are designed to help foster carers and their families through the process, making it easier to navigate a challenging time.
In this blog, we’ll run through what to expect when an allegation is made, the role your fostering service plays, and the different types of support that’s available to foster carers, ensuring that, in the event of an allegation against you or a family member, you know how to appropriately respond.
If you’d prefer to read our comprehensive guide to foster care allegations, click here.
What happens when an allegation is made?
An allegation is a claim that someone may have acted in a way that could cause harm to a child in your care. These claims are taken seriously to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved.
Here’s what typically happens during the process:
- Initial notification – You’ll be informed of the allegation and the steps that will follow.
- Investigation – A formal investigation will be carried out by the relevant authorities, such as your local authority or police, depending on the nature of the allegation.
- Support during the process – You are entitled to independent support to help you navigate this difficult time, ensuring that your voice is heard and your rights are respected.
- Outcome and next steps – Depending on the outcome, steps will be taken to restore your confidence and help you return to fostering.
It is crucial that, if you are subject to an allegation, that you seek support from your fostering service, and contact FosterTalk for advice and guidance.
The role of your fostering service
The role of fostering services are twofold – to support carers and to safeguard the child in their care.
They must:
- Provide immediate support from the moment you’re informed of an allegation. This includes both practical and emotional support to help you through any initial shock or uncertainty.
- Ensure that any investigations are fair and unbiased. Your service will often appoint independent professionals to ensure impartiality.
- Maintain clear and consistent communication between all parties, including yourself, your local authority and any other organisations that are involved.
Once the allegation is concluded, and the outcome determined, your service should work with you to help you rebuild trust in the system and confidence in your ability to foster.
Unfortunately, 34% of foster carers currently experiencing an allegation reported that they did not intend to continue fostering following their allegation. It’s important to remember that allegations are often unfounded, and that it’s essential we remain patient with the young people in our care. Many have suffered from abuse in the past – it can take time for these wounds to heal, and bumps in the road, such as these, are fairly common, but are not insurmountable.
For more in-depth information about the full allegations process, click here.
How FosterTalk supports carers and services
Many foster carers who have experienced an allegation felt unsupported through the process, with 70% of carers reporting that they received no independent support throughout the allegations process. We’re on a mission to change this.
At FosterTalk, we believe that every single foster carer deserves full, impartial support during and following an allegation. It should be readily available immediately and without delay. Here’s what support we believe every carer should have access to:
Pre-emptive training resources
We believe that action is better than reaction. While it’s not possible to prepare for every single scenario, by training in advance, you’ll be better prepared for an allegation should it happen.
At FosterTalk, we have an extensive library of resources and training courses that are designed for foster carers. We’ll help you better understand the allegations process and what your role in it will be. This ensures that you’re equipped with the knowledge to help make everything run more smoothly.
Independent and confidential support
We provide one-to-one support, giving you a safe space to discuss your concerns with experienced professionals who understand the complexities of fostering.
This support covers everything, from counselling to financial advice – it’s our job to help you understand the process of an allegation. We’ll be there throughout the investigation and beyond, ensuring that you’re never left alone.
Expert legal advice
FosterTalk members have access to legal advice and support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Both you and your extended family can access our legal advice helpline.
We will help you understand your rights, what you should say and what you should do. Having legal advice in your corner allows you to handle any allegations with confidence, safe in the knowledge that you’re doing the right things at the right time.
Emotional wellbeing services
While the technical side of allegations support is important, foster carers are often left feeling frustrated or insecure during and following an allegation.
We offer counselling and wellbeing resources to help you manage stress and anxiety during this time, and in the months or years that follow.
Many foster carers develop strong relationships with their supervising social worker (SSW), who will work closely with you and your family to ensure that everyone is okay. However, if you want access to further wellbeing support (that is always impartial), we have a team of clinically trained experts who are BACP accredited, meaning you’re always able to talk when you need it.
Facing an allegation is tough…
…But the support that’s available is designed to provide the guidance, resources, and reassurance you need to navigate this challenging time.
Whether you’re currently working through an ongoing investigation, or you’re preparing in advance just in case, the FosterTalk team are here to support you.
We’re working towards ensuring a fair and supportive process for everyone involved in allegations. We recognise that not every carer receives the same standard of support from their local authority, which is often caused by a lack of resources or staff. FosterTalk membership alleviates some of these issues.
We recommend talking to your fostering service or local authority about FosterTalk membership. We have a broad range of memberships available, designed to suit foster carers at every stage of their journey.
Want to get in touch with a friendly member of our team for a chat about FosterTalk membership?
