For fostering services & local authorities

Recruit the right carers. Keep them for longer.

Recruitment and retention are inseparable. Foster carers are more likely to stay when they feel prepared, valued, culturally understood and supported beyond approval. We build that infrastructure with you.

Our approach

A joined-up system built around carers.

Black Foster Carers Alliance partners with fostering services to build end-to-end recruitment and retention infrastructure — combining culturally informed recruitment, assessment support, mentoring and early-stage intervention to reduce breakdowns and prevent avoidable attrition.

Safeguarding

Culturally informed practice embedded at every stage.

Assessment quality

Support that improves Form F quality and fairness.

Carer confidence

Carers who feel ready and supported from day one.

Placement stability

Fewer early breakdowns through better mentoring.

Long-term retention

Structured post-approval support that keeps carers in.

Our pathway

From first enquiry to sustained, confident care.

Six connected stages that prepare carers properly and help them stay. Each stage strengthens safeguarding, improves practice and reduces avoidable breakdowns.

“This is not an add-on service — it is a structured, preventative approach to recruitment, retention and system improvement.”

1. Community-led recruitment

Builds trust, improves engagement and reduces early drop-off.

2. Early applicant support

Helps applicants understand the system, expectations and assessment — reducing withdrawals.

3. Form F assessment support

Preparation and confidence-building that improves assessment quality and fairness.

4. Mid-point review & mentor match

We identify pressure points and allocate a trained mentor for the rest of the journey.

5. Mentoring to panel

Emotional readiness, understanding of the role and preparation for panel.

6. Six months post-approval

Ongoing mentoring to support transition into practice and strengthen agency relationships.

Early-stage retention workshops

Six optional workshops for the first six months.

Targeted sessions on the challenges most likely to impact confidence and retention. They reduce stress, prevent conflict and support stable placements.

Record keeping & professional accountability

Building confidence in recording, safeguarding and evidence.

Understanding the matching process

Supporting informed decision-making and realistic expectations.

Respite, boundaries & sustainability

Preventing burnout and supporting family wellbeing.

Attending professional meetings with confidence

Preparing carers to engage effectively in reviews and meetings.

Advocacy, education & speaking up

Supporting carers to advocate for children constructively.

Managing relationships & conflict

Equipping carers to manage difficult conversations and seek support early.

Build a fostering service carers trust.

If you are seeking to improve recruitment, reduce early attrition and strengthen long-term retention, we would welcome a conversation.