Frequently Asked Questions

This page provides help with the most common questions about the Sefton Foster Care Association. If you need further help, please do contact us by emailing SeftonFCA@gmail.com and we will do our best to answer your question.

What is the role of the Sefton Foster Care Association (SFCA)?

The SFCA aims to support foster carers, promote collaboration with professionals and the local authority, represent carers' interests, and enhance their ability to meet children's needs. It also seeks to improve communication and understanding among all involved in childcare within Sefton.

What support does the SFCA provide to foster carers?

The SFCA asks members to prioritize key issues annually at the AGM. Volunteers work on specific workstreams, liaising with Senior Management to improve the service. The association provides a unified voice for change, shares updates via the website, and holds monthly meetings (both online and in-person) to keep members informed and gather feedback.

What are the eligibility requirements to join the SFCA?

All Sefton-approved foster carers (mainstream, kinship, or connected) can join the SFCA, with the option to opt out at any time.

How can foster carers access SFCA services?

All foster carers in a household should register on the SFCA website (https://www.sefton-fca.com/members-area). Once approved and a Confidentiality Agreement is signed, they can access the Members area, attend meetings, and receive updates on the fostering service and events.

Where can carers find official documents or guidance provided by the SFCA?

The Members Area of the SFCA website provides key resources for foster carers, including:

Team & Policies – Details of the SFCA team and Sefton fostering policies.
Support & Safety – Guidance on identity protection, allegations, and escalation procedures.
Benefits & Discounts – Access to free parking, fitness memberships, and financial support.
SEND Support – Advice on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
Training & Tools – Links to training, useful websites, and essential tools like expense claims.
Events & Meetings – A calendar of foster carer events and SFCA meetings.
Finance & Tax – Information on fostering allowances, benefits, and tax guidance.
Documents & Records – Policies, meeting minutes, and official SFCA documents.

How can foster carers get involved with the SFCA (e.g., meetings, volunteering, leadership roles)?

To get involved with the SFCA, the first step is to become a member, attend monthly meetings and the AGM to vote and share experiences. While there’s no obligation, if you have time and skills, you can become a committee member, helping run the group fairly. Committee responsibilities include overseeing finances, making decisions by vote, keeping records, and potentially calling an extraordinary meeting. The association also requires officers such as Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, and others to manage the group.