Footprints is an independent fostering agency offering a high quality, personalised service to Foster Carers, children and young people across Dorset and the surrounding areas.
In October 2024 we joined forces with Sunbeam Fostering Group – one of the largest and most progressive independent fostering agencies in England. The founders of Footprints Foster Care remain fully involved in the service as the Registered Manager and Responsible Individual.
The Footprints team are all local to Dorset and the surrounding areas, enabling us to provide exceptional insight into local communities, schools, and support services. Our strong relationships with local authorities and organisations mean our placements are well-supported and tailored to meet the needs of children and carers.
Footprints was established in 2012 by Vanda Leigh and Stephanie Omosevwerha, two dedicated and highly experienced social workers with a passion for transforming lives! Their decades of expertise ensure the agency is guided by deep understanding and genuine care.
As a smaller, independent agency, Footprints offers a warm and welcoming environment where you’ll feel valued, listened to and part of a supportive community.
As an independent fostering agency, Footprints is able to offer competitive and generous fostering allowances of up to £500 per child per week, depending on the needs of the children, ensuring carers are financially supported to provide a high standard of care for children.
As a small, local agency, Footprints is uniquely placed to guarantee personalised, round-the-clock support from a team that knows you and your fostering situation. You are never left to navigate challenges alone, and will never have to explain your situation to a ‘stranger’.
When you become a foster carer with Footprints, you’ll get access to ongoing training to equip you with the skills and confidence needed for every stage of your fostering journey, including specialist courses for solo fostering and therapeutic care. You’ll also receive complimentary membership of Foster Talk.
Becoming a foster carer with Footprints isn’t just about helping children – it’s also about personal development. Our resources, training, and support help carers grow into confident, skilled advocates for young people and children.
We are an independent fostering agency offering a high quality,
personalised service to Foster Carers and children and young people across Dorset and the surrounding areas.
Every family and child is unique, and Footprints tailors their support to individual needs, carefully matching children to the right foster carers to promote stability and success.
Whether fostering children with additional needs or managing complex behaviours, Footprints’ team is equipped with the knowledge and resources to guide carers through even the toughest situations.
If you are looking to join a fostering agency where you will be personally known, valued and recognised as an important part of the team, please contact us by calling 01202 573408.
Footprints Foster Care Ltd
Registered Company No 07879639
Longham Business Park
168 Ringwood Road
Ferndown
Dorset BH22 9BU
Please do not be anxious about contacting us
– we promise not to put you under any pressure. We are happy to answer your questions and we need to ask questions to make sure that you meet some basic criteria, such as do you have a spare bedroom and live in the right area?
Assuming that these basic criteria are met and you are happy to proceed, we will arrange to come and meet you at your home.
The home visit usually lasts 1-2 hours and gives both parties the chance to ask lots of questions. We find out more about you and you find out more about us and what we can offer. If everyone is happy to proceed you will be given an application form to complete.
If however, having found out more about fostering, you decide that you do not wish to proceed, then do not feel embarrassed to say so. We will also be honest and let you know if we do not feel it is in your interests to proceed.
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If you decide to proceed, you will complete an application form and go into the assessment process. This can take between 3–6 months and is undertaken by a qualified social worker.
It is a thorough process and one which helps people understand what has shaped their lives, prepares them for the challenge of fostering and determines their motivation to foster. As part of this process, we will also undertake statutory checks and personal references, including police checks, personal and employment references and medicals.
The social worker will also meet with your personal referees, members of your household and any adult children you have living away from home to ensure they fully support your intentions to foster.
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During the assessment period, you will have the opportunity to attend the Skills to Foster™ course that provides the foundation for future learning and development, as well as giving you the confidence to undertake your first placement.
You will also be required to complete a portfolio of evidence to support your assessment.
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After stage 3 has been completed, your assessment and portfolio will be presented to a Fostering Panel. The panel is made of experienced social work practitioners and independent members, who will have carefully considered the report in advance of the panel.
You and your assessor will both attend the fostering panel to enable panel members to meet you, address any points for clarification and hear any final questions you may have.
If the panel is satisfied the requirements regarding your suitability to foster are met, they will make a recommendation to approve you as a foster carer.
The ultimate decision to approve lies with the agency decision maker, who will carefully consider the recommendation made by the fostering panel.
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