Why Choose Empower?
Choosing to Foster with Empower Fostering
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​We are a family-run fostering agency founded by Foster Carers, located in Taunton, Somerset. Our vision has always been to provide Foster Carers with high quality training, flexible and dedicated support, supported by professionals who provide a child and carer focused service. As an agency founded by Foster Carers we are proud to advocate for all our carers, children and young people.
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We are here to support you 24/7, so you can make a difference to children and young peoples lives. Fostering with Empower Fostering allows you to have access to other crucial resources offered by Empower Family Group which other agencies may not be able to provide. We value and recognise all our Foster Carers for their contribution to supporting children and are dedicated to supporting you throughout your Foster Carer journey.
​Benefits of Choosing Empower Fostering
​Anyone can foster as long as you can demonstrate you have the skills and capacity to care for a child. You need to be resilient, kind and have a support network around you. You will also need to have a spare room for the child or young person.
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We welcome applications from individuals of any age or gender; there is no upper age limit. Your sexual orientation is not important to being a Foster Carer and will not stop you from fostering. As part of your assessment to foster, you will have a medical with your doctor and as long as you are physically and emotionally fit enough to care and support a young person, then age is not an issue.
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Support: We're here, by your side, with unrivaled support, available 24/7.
Income: You will receive a competitive weekly fostering allowance, tax exemption and tax relief
Community: We host multiple events, support groups and fun activities throughout the year as part of our fostering family.
Career: Enjoy a rewarding career whilst changing a child or young persons life.
Training: Comprehensive, ongoing training to support the challenges and success of fostering.
Holidays: To look after others, you must look after yourself; paid respite helps you recharge and be the best version of yourself for you and your child.
We Also Offer:
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Unique and Specialist Training
We acknowledge this is a demanding role and provide you with an ongoing training and support program based on your knowledge and requirements and the challenges your young person may face. We have excellent materials and experienced staff, so you'll be well prepared to begin a career in fostering with Empower Fostering.
Tax Exemption
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In addition to your competitive fostering allowance, which covers your professional fee and the cost of caring for your foster child, you'll also benefit from tax exemption and tax relief. You can find out more information here:
Up to 26 Days Paid Respite Per Year
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To successfully look after others, you need to look after yourself. Which is why you'll receive respite as a Foster Carer; recharge your batteries and take some 'you-time'. Respite allowance varies, depending on your placement from 14 days to 26 days.
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Unbeaten Practical Support
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You will benefit from phone calls and visits from your dedicated social worker as regularly as needed, as well as fortnightly supervision with your own social worker, giving you special time to think about your role without interruptions. Depending on the type of fostering you are undertaking you may also have access to our in-house support workers and activity coordinators who can provide additional respite for our therapeutic placements.
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Out of Hours Support
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Our out of hours service is available 24/7 and provides you access to a manager who knows about you and your placement, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They also have access to emergency resources should you need them.
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​Family Days and Outings
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Becoming part of the Empower Fostering Family also includes invitation to social events for all our Foster Carers, children and colleagues to support our dedication to being a family run and focused fostering agency founded by Foster Carers.
