Advice and Mediation for Foster Carers

Norfolk County Council wishes to award a contract to a Provider to deliver an independent advice and mediation service which can be purchased by fostering services in England. It is designed for the following service users: foster carers, their families and members of the fostering service's staff.The service does not seek to replace the support provided by the fostering service to the carer. It aims to complement it; therefore, it is essential that ongoing communication is maintained for swift resolution of any issues that may originate from either appropriate challenge, miscommunication or issues around practice on any part. The often isolated and sometimes vulnerable position of many carers means that they need access to an independent source of advice and support in addition to that provided by the fostering team.Advice and mediation workers advise carers by phone, letter, e-mail or in person about any aspect of fostering that requires independent, confidential advice. If allegations or complaints have been received about carers, advice and mediation workers prioritise working with them. As well as listening to and advising carers and their families, workers may support carers to interpret and respond to written material.As part of their job, advice and mediation workers work with each fostering service to ensure that carers are aware of the service and encouraged to use it.