Front cover
Welcome to ISP
This guide is about you and your time with us at ISP.
We want to help you find out about foster care.
Page 2
Tell us about yourself and what you like
This book belongs to ___________
I am _____ years old
My favourite food is ____________
Some things I like to do _____________
Page 3
What is foster care?
If you can’t live with your own family, a social worker will find you a foster home. This is a family who will look after you.
You have come to live with __________________
They have been specially chosen to look after you.
What is ISP?
ISP is a fostering agency. We help find foster families for children. We found your foster family for you.
We help your foster family and make sure that they are looking after you well.
You will meet us when we visit your foster home. We are always happy to hear from you.
Page 4
People you will meet at ISP…
Your foster carer will write down here the names of people you will meet at ISP.
Our foster families get together for fun activities at ISP. Children say that they had a great time. Come and join us at our Fun Day in the summer for games, races and Fun Fair rides!
What will my new home be like?
We know that moving to a new home, with new people, can be hard. Your foster family want to know about you so that they can make you feel welcome. They want to know what makes you happy.
All about me…Favourite food, things I like to do, favourite animal, favourite colour.
Tell your foster carer about the things you like.
Page 5
In your new home, you will have all the things you need:
- A bedroom of your own (or shared with your brother/sister)
- Space to play
- Fun activities, e.g. swimming, going to the park
- Pocket money to buy things that you like
- Time with your family and friends
- Help with your school work
Page 6
How long will I stay here for?
Children live with foster families for different reasons. Some children stay for a short time, and others until they are grown up.
Your social worker will make a plan for your time at ISP. They will visit you and make sure that you are safe and happy.
They will talk to you and find out
- what you think
- how you feel
- what you would like to happen.
What about school?
School is very important. You can make friends, learn and enjoy other activities that you like.
You might not be able to stay at your old school. We will help your social worker find you a new school. We’ll help you to settle in and do as well as you can.
Page 7
What if I’m not happy?
You should tell an adult, your foster family, your teacher or someone at ISP if you:
- have a problem
- aren’t happy about something
- are worried about something
If you find it hard to say what’s wrong, you could draw a picture or write it down.
You will never get in trouble for letting us know you have a problem. We will always try to help.
Important details
Your ISP office phone number:
Your social worker’s phone number:
Help outside of ISP
If you are worried about something, you can call:
Childline free on: 0800 11 11
OFSTED: 0300 123 1231
Children’s Commissioner: 0800 528 0731
