Support Care is the preventative face of fostering. It has proved to be of immense value to parents and an important resource for social workers who are trying to avert admissions to local authority care.

The term ‘Support Care’ describes any scheme that offers families in difficulties a series of short breaks with specialised foster carers who work alongside parents to help resolve problems and diffuse tension. Young people are introduced to new experiences and form positive relationships with the carers. All placements are part-time, and short term. The expectation, nearly always realised, is that families who were often on the point of breakdown at the time of referral will have worked out some problem-solving strategies and formed better relationships within a few months, and are ready to move on.

Support Care was first developed in Bradford by Joy Howard, who initiated and ran a highly successful service for over 12 years. During that time she raised the profile of her work at a national level, working closely with the Fostering Network and appropriate government departments. Support Care has been widely promoted across the country, and has now been officially piloted in 14 Local Authorities in England and in 5 Welsh counties.