FOSTER CARER MEMBERSHIP

FosterTalk members can rest assured knowing that they and their extended family have ample insurance cover in the event of an allegation that may arise as a result of their fostering.

Covering anything from defending civil prosecution, providing representation for an interview under caution, covering legal costs or defending against criminal prosecution against you (arising from an alleged offence relating to a foster child who is or has been in your care). Without insurance, carers are assigned an uninformed duty solicitor. FosterTalk provide a specialist in fostering law, meaning any carer with FosterTalk legal support can rest assured that they’re in the safest hands possible.

Legal insurance is there to ensure foster carers can focus on their job – making a tangible difference in the lives of young people.

• Up to £10,000 per person for interview under caution
• Up to £150,000 for a criminal prosecution
• Up to £25,000 for civil proceedings 
• Up to £5,000 to make representation against a barring recommendation
• Includes access to a 24-hour legal helpline

“Wonderful peace of mind knowing this is in place, just in case the unthinkable happens.”

We all need a little extra support at times. That’s why we offer a round-the-clock, confidential counselling helpline that is delivered by a team of clinically trained and qualified experts.

Our unique counselling helpline is available to members at any time of day, whenever the need arises. By offering a confidential, professional telephone and online counselling service, we effectively help foster families to proactively manage stress and overcome emotional issues. Our helplines provide immediate emotional support, advice and practical information, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Counselling must be confidential, appropriate and available at the right time to have a positive effect, and that’s where we make a difference. And if members need further support, we’ll signpost and help you to know how and where to find it.

FosterTalk members have the peace of mind of knowing they can phone our helpline in confidence and speak to medically qualified practitioners and seek advice and guidance on medical issues including health, wellbeing and first aid matters.

No more waiting around for a call back; our medical team is on hand to provide non-diagnostic, non-prescriptive medical advice and support for members.

As with all our helplines, this service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you need urgent or further medical support, we will signpost and help you know where to find it.

Many foster carers enter into the role without any prior experience of being self-employed. This can be an incredibly difficult transition without the right support.

Tax can be daunting and complex and self-assessment can be time consuming. FosterTalk member households have free access to our confidential specialist tax and benefits helpline which is tailored to the needs of foster carers. Our qualified advisors are fully trained with up-to-date knowledge of foster carer taxation and benefits entitlements.

We advise carers and their families on how to fulfil their responsibilities relating to tax, avoid possible financial penalties and maximise eligibility to claim state benefits.

Our tax support and personal finance service help foster carers to:

• Complete self-assessment registration, completing and filing tax returns
• Calculate National Insurance contributions
• Calculate profits from fostering and tax liabilities
• Find benefits advice, including eligibility and making claims
• Find free advice on any financial worry, from mortgages to pensions, investments and more, we can help

“On using your helpline for an end of tax year enquiry, I was given friendly, easy to understand advice, which helped me not to panic.”

Members can seek confidential, impartial advice and information from qualified workers with a background in adoption and fostering.

The helpline is designed to provide information based on fostering legislation, National Minimum Standards and best practice guidance. It provides emotional support to members who need to speak to a qualified and experienced practitioner outside of their normal support networks. We help members to understand various processes and procedures that they may be involved in. We help them to understand their options and ultimately support them with information that helps them to make informed decisions.

Our aim is to minimise disruption of placements, help to retain foster carers and provide professional and knowledgeable support in times of conflict, especially important in a time where fostering services are under pressure and facing cuts.

Sometimes, it’s the little things that make a big difference.

We have partnered with both insurance companies and a wide variety of businesses, meaning that we offer a broad range of exclusive discounts only available to FosterTalk members.

With everything from nights out to clothes shops, everyone loves saving a bit of money!