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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

The new draft fostering standards for England aim to ensure foster carers are recognised, trusted and valued. 💡 Our latest blog explains the key proposals, from recognising carers as equal partners to strengthening delegated authority. Read more ⬇️ bit.ly/4f0z3sM

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Meet Jon, our brilliant Head of IT and Facilities at The Fostering Network. 👋 In this article, Jon shares how his fostering experience influences his role at The Fostering Network, and why foster carers deserve greater recognition for the vital role they play. ✍️ bit.ly/4f0Q1G5

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

We welcome the Government's new foster care proposals, including a fairer allegations process, stronger delegated authority and greater recognition of foster carers as equal partners in the team around the child. Thanks to our members who helped shape these changes 👏 bit.ly/44ifMwY

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

After more than a decade as foster carers, Lorna and Phil have experienced both the challenges and the rewards that come with fostering. In this article, Lorna shares how the Mockingbird programme in Salford is helping to build a stronger fostering community. ✨ bit.ly/4avjPJL

A person holding a bouquet and a plaque stands with another person holding a "Heroes" booklet. They are in front of a balloon arch with a quote: “Mockingbird is powerful as it creates a real sense of community.”

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

We are delighted to welcome Pamela Graham as our new Country Director in Scotland! 🙌 Pamela brings with her more than 25 years’ experience in the voluntary sector. She will lead our work championing and supporting foster carers across Scotland. 📢 Read our full statement: bit.ly/4fWEvxN

A group of eight people stand outside a building. They are smiling and facing the camera. A sign in the image reads, "Welcome Pamela - our new Country Director in Scotland." The building entrance is decorated with flowers.

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

Toby is one of our incredibly brave fundraisers who is jumping out of a plane at 10,000 ft to raise money for our work here at The Fostering Network. ✈️ Thank you so much for choosing to fundraise for us! Have an amazing time. 👏 🌟 You can donate to Toby’s page here: bit.ly/3Sn58lI

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

We've been speaking to our foster carer members as part of the government’s Growing Up in an Online World consultation, which explores age restrictions for social media and other online services. 🤳 Read our latest blog to learn more ⬇️ bit.ly/4o4YWdM

A person is reclining on a couch, using a smartphone. In the background, another person is working at a table with a laptop. A quote on the image reads: "Foster carers emphasised that children and young people in care may face heightened risks online.

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Happy Pride Month from The Fostering Network 🌈 🙌 This June, we proudly stand with our LGBTQ+ fostering community. Diversity brings the fostering community together, and we’ll be celebrating love and identity throughout Pride Month and beyond! #PrideMonth #FosterCare #CareExperience

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

We were delighted to work with BBC Bitesize on this feature about becoming a foster parent for Caring Matters Week. 🙌 In the article, our Chief Executive Sarah Thomas answers some common questions those thinking about fostering might have. 💡 www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zqq…

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 24/05/2026

It’s the final day of Foster Care Fortnight ✨ Thank you to everyone who helped bring “This is Fostering” to life - from awareness raising to thank you events, walks, tea parties and celebrations across the UK. 💙 It's truly been one to remember. 💕 #FCF26

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 23/05/2026

This quote from foster carer Angela highlights the complex reality of fostering. Angela has been a foster carer for 15 years and has no plans to stop, but urgent change is needed to ensure foster carers are properly valued for the vital care they provide. 📢 #FCF26

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

After personal loss, Wendy & Steve were close to giving up fostering - until Becky came into their lives. 💕 Now, after 21 years of fostering, they say Becky helped them get here. Their story shows the life-changing impact of fostering 🥹 #FCF26 #ThisIsFostering

A group of three people stand together, smiling. Behind them are balloons, including a large one with the number 18. A quote at the bottom reads, "Becky gave us the strength we needed to carry on." A colorful dessert is on the table in the foreground.

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Foster Walk London 🤩 It was fantastic to come together with foster carers yesterday for a walk across the capital, followed by lunch at John Lewis in Oxford Circus. 🥪 It was a wonderful afternoon, and we were lucky that the rain just about held off! 🙌 #FCF26

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

On Sunday, we were delighted to bring together fostering families at Callendar House and Callendar Park in Falkirk for a special family day and walk as part of our #FCF26 celebrations! ✨ A huge thank you to everyone who came along. 🧡 #FCF26 #ThisIsFostering #ValueFosterCare

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

This Foster Care Fortnight Kez has shared her experience of growing up in foster care, and how her foster carers fuelled her passions, helping to pave the way towards her success today. 👏 ❤️ Read Kez's story: bit.ly/3Rey9j0 #FCF26 #ThisIsFostering

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

Our CEO, Sarah Thomas, joins a special #FCF26 episode of The Relational Social Work Podcast! 🎙️ Sarah discusses the national fostering landscape across the UK plus there's a special guest appearance from Judy and Roxy from The Traitors! 👀 www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.…

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

This is Fostering 💫 Shauna and Christopher’s experience is a shining example of how foster carer advocacy can transform the lives of children and young people. 💕 They've shared their story for #FCF26: www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/blog… #FCF26 #ThisIsFostering

A person in a suit stands next to another person in a pink dress. They are indoors, in front of a decorative wall. A banner in the top right corner reads "Foster Care Fortnight." A quote at the bottom states, “I’ll always advocate for the children in my care,” with a house icon next to it.

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 16/05/2026

Fostering requires skill, time, dedication, and ongoing training to meet the needs of children and young people. 🕜 Julie’s story brings this to life - read about her fostering journey: bit.ly/4dbA1BF #ThisIsFostering #FCF26

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

The fostering community came together in Cardiff this week to walk and talk in the sunshine for #FCF26. ✨ We rounded things off with a trip to John Lewis who generously provided tea, coffee and cake! Thank you to everyone involved! 💕 #ThisIsFostering

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

We had a brilliant start to Foster Care Fortnight in Northern Ireland on Monday, delivering the launch event with our partners HSC Adoption and Foster Care. 🙌 We were delighted to be joined by Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt and Robbie Butler MLA - thank you to everyone who came along! 🙏 #FCF26

A group of people stand together outside a building with columns. They are holding a sign that reads "Foster Care Fortnight.

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

Richard and Hannah have been fostering for six years, alongside their two birth sons Asher and Cohen. The family shared these powerful words with us, which truly encapsulates what it means to be a fostering family. 💕 #FCF26 #ThisIsFostering #ValueFosterCare

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Our new figures this #FCF26 show 6,000 more foster carers are needed across the UK. But recruitment alone isn’t enough - the Government must properly value existing carers with fair pay, better support and professional recognition. 📢 #ValueFosterCare bit.ly/4djeG8a

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Reposted by The Fostering Network

Foundations – What Works Centre for Children & Families @foundationsww.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

Today marks the start of Foster Care Fortnight #FCF26 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 @fosteringnet.bsky.social. This week we launch a brand new DfE-commissioned Practice Guide for senior local leaders to empower foster carers & help foster families flourish. Get the details in your inbox 📩 foundations.org.uk/newsletter

A static image with a solid oatmeal coloured background. There is large all caps blue text which reads "Foster Care Fortnight", followed by black copy in a different font which reads "#FCF26". To the left of the text, there is a simple illustration of a person with glasses and a checked coat, who has a baby over their shoulder. The baby wears a small bow on its head. To the right of the text is another simple illustration. This time of an adult person with long, loose dark hair kneeling in front of a child with bobbed dark hair, who is standing. The adult as their hands on their child's shoulders in a reassuring pose. Foundations’ three-bar ‘momentum’ icon is shown in the bottom right-hand corner.

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

Foster Care Fortnight is here! 🙌 Over the next two weeks, we’ll be highlighting the realities of fostering and the life-changing impact foster carers have on children and young people. 💡 Our CEO Sarah Thomas has shared a few words to kick off #FCF26. ⬇️ #ThisIsFostering

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

Fostering services – help us spread the message this Foster Care Fortnight 📢 Our media pack includes: • A template press release • CEO quote from Sarah Thomas • National & regional recruitment figures • Key fostering stats & info #FCF26 bit.ly/3QYhfVC

A stack of folded newspapers on a light surface. The border features illustrations and text promoting "Foster Care Fortnight" with a heart and holding hands icon.

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

Nominations are open for the Fostering Excellence Awards 2026! 📣 Celebrate the dedication and impact of foster & kinship carers, young people, and teams making a difference every day. 🏆 Nominate by July 10th ⏰ bit.ly/42PHaBv #FosteringExcellenceAwards #FosterCare

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

How can foster carers get involved in #FCF26? ✨ • Join a Foster Care Fortnight get together • Attend an event organised by The Fostering Network: bit.ly/3P6UnTg • Support the campaign on social media 📢 Find out more - bit.ly/3NndwQ8 #FCF26 #ThisIsFostering

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

Check out our new Thrive website! 🪴 Thrive is created with and for care-experienced young people in Wales. It’s a place to share positive stories, celebrate achievements, and explore ideas that matter. ➡️ thrive.cymru

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

Join our free webinar! Acceptance and belonging in fostering – a Foster Care Fortnight special 📅 Thursday, 21 May 🕥 10.30am – 12pm Find out more and sign up today: bit.ly/4tneOtT

A joyful family is outdoors blowing bubbles together. The image includes a promotional graphic for "Foster Care Fortnight" with illustrative designs and the hashtag #FCF26.

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

📢 We’re hiring: Country Director – Scotland 📢 The Fostering Network is looking for an experienced, strategic leader to join our senior leadership team as Country Director for Scotland. 📅 Closing date: Wednesday 6 May 2026 👉 Find out more and apply today: bit.ly/4ciaWEE

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

Our Foster Care Fortnight art competition is back! 🎨 🎵 📝 Submit a piece of artwork that represents our #FCF26 theme - This Is Fostering. Deadline for entries – Friday 1 May 2026. Find out more, including details about how to enter: bit.ly/44viAIl

Children painting plant pots at a table, with art supplies scattered around. The image promotes "Foster Care Fortnight" with a "This is fostering" slogan and related graphics on the border.

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

Less than 1 month until the Senedd and Scottish Parliament elections. Our manifesto highlights our campaign priorities to improve the lives of children in foster care. Share with candidates who come to your doorstep to ask what they will do to improve fostering! 📢 🔗 bit.ly/4csbkiC

A graphic from The Fostering Network displays campaign messages for Wales and Scotland. It includes three highlighted points: focusing on care-experienced children and young people, supporting and valuing foster carers for optimal care, and investing in systemic reform to aid children and young people with care experience.

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Lucy Barnes is a barrister who has made it her mission to open up the profession to other care experienced people. She sat down with Foster Care mag to talk about her journey into law and the unwavering belief from her foster dad that helped get her to where she is today. ⚖️ bit.ly/3OEcZty

This image shows Lucy dressed in traditional legal attire, standing inside a wood-paneled room. She is wearing a barrister's wig, black robe, and white neck bands. A quote overlaid on the image reads, "My foster dad was the first person who really believed in me. He told me I could be a lawyer."

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

Free member webinar- Decision making in fostering and carer medicals: what the biggest challenges teach us and how best practice can be achieved 💡 📆 13 May 2026, 10.30am – 12pm Log in to our member portal and sign up today ➡️ bit.ly/4tGTTlp

A person is assisting a young individual with their work at a table in a kitchen setting. The image promotes a webinar on "Decision-making in fostering and carer medicals" scheduled for 13 May.

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

Just over a month to go until Foster Care Fortnight! ⏳ This year we’re encouraging fostering services to show their appreciation by organising a get together for fostering families and we’ve created an activity pack to help you plan. 🎨 bit.ly/3NVCrKW #FCF26 #ThisisFostering

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

We welcome the 3.8 per cent increase to Scotland’s Recommended Allowance for foster and kinship carers, in line with inflation. It’s a positive step toward ensuring allowances reflect the true cost of caring for a child.📈 Read more: bit.ly/47Xys7t

A fan of British currency notes with denominations of £10 is displayed. There is a text overlay in a teal-green box that reads, "We welcome the 3.8% increase to foster carer allowances in Scotland." An icon is shown in a magenta box beside the text.

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

Our Mockingbird Spring Forums are in full swing 🌼 Across England, we’re bringing together 400+ Hub Home Carers and Liaison Workers to connect, learn, and explore this season’s theme: Identity & Belonging.

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

We are delighted that maintaining sibling relationships will be prioritised for children in care, following changes to the law. 🙌 In England alone, 37 per cent of children are separated from their siblings when entering care. Read more here: bit.ly/4m2hdri #FosterCare #SocialCare

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

Webinar: Tax and National Insurance for Foster Carers – Live Q&A 💬 We've teamed up with Xeinadin, experts in foster carer tax services, to bring you a live FAQ-style drop-in webinar dedicated to the issues that matter most to you. Date: 12 May 2026 📆 Log in to sign up: bit.ly/49zg9GP

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

Over the past two months, we’ve worked closely with our foster carer and fostering service members to respond to the Department for Education’s action plan, “Renewing Fostering: homes for 10,000 more children.” 🏠

An image of Big Ben on a cloudy day. Text overlaid on to the image says: Thank you to all of our members who shared their views.

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 28/03/2026

We’re absolutely delighted to share that our Step Up Step Down programme in Pembrokeshire is a finalist in The Accolades awards!🎉 A huge congratulations to our incredible Step Up Step Down team. We couldn’t be prouder of the impact they continue to make. 👏 🧡

A group of six people are gathered outdoors at night. Some are wearing headlamps, and they are dressed in warm clothing. The text in the image reads, "Congratulations to our amazing Step Up Step Down team!

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

The Scottish Government has announced that from April 2026, care leavers will receive £2,000 to support the transition to independence. 💡 This is part of part of the Scottish Government’s work to keep ‘the Promise’ to care experienced young people. Read more ⬇️ tinyurl.com/57e7zy8d

A person with headphones around their neck is focused on a laptop, taking notes. Another person beside them places a supportive hand on their shoulder. There's a text overlay stating, "Care leavers in Scotland to receive a £2,000 to support independence.

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

We are delighted to see several of the key changes we campaigned for included in The Promise Bill, which became law last week. 🙌 Read our full statement: bit.ly/4875JNf

A graphic from The Fostering Network features a yellow box with "Paul Sullivan" and "Director for Scotland" written inside.

Below, a blue box contains text with the following quote: “These are life changing amendments for young people in foster care, giving them a right to stay with their foster families and return if they choose to. This recognises the critical importance of consistent, loving relationships.

“This bill is a landmark step in Scotland’s journey to keeping the Promise.”

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

We’re delighted to share that Lloyds Banking Group is now officially a Fostering Friendly Employer! 🎉 This accreditation recognises organisations that go the extra mile to support employees who are foster carers. Read the full announcement ➡️ lnkd.in/e2WgdDF9

Three people, dressed in casual clothes, walk hand in hand along a wooded path. A banner at the bottom reads, "Lloyds Banking Group has been awarded our Fostering Friendly accreditation!" The image is in black and white, with colorful shapes partially visible above the text.

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

The Fostering Excellence Awards will be back this year! 🏆 🥇 Exclusively for members of The Fostering Network, the awards will recognise the incredible contribution of foster carers, care experienced children and young people, and fostering services. More information will be released soon! 👀

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

We’re delighted to welcome Paul Sullivan as our new Country Director for Scotland 🎉 Paul brings a wealth of leadership experience and a strong track record of delivering meaningful change for children, young people and families. 👉 Read the full announcement here: bit.ly/478ADV9

A group of five people standing side by side on a wooden deck in a sunny outdoor setting. They are dressed in casual, colorful clothing, each with a cheerful expression, with a large brick wall in the background.

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The Fostering Network @fosteringnet.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

We’re delighted to share the resources for Foster Care Fortnight 2026. 🎉 🙌 Find out about this year's theme 'This is Fostering' and everything else you need to know: bit.ly/3NndwQ8 #FCF26 #ThisIsFostering #fostercare #fostercareawareness

A colorful illustration promoting Foster Care Fortnight by The Fostering Network. Two individuals are standing on a seesaw, with various symbols like a heart and clock surrounding them. A child is seated on the seesaw's pivot point. The phrases "This is fostering" and "#FCF26" are displayed.

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