The FCA

At Foster Care Associates (FCA), we operate as one of the UK's largest and most established independent fostering agencies. Founded in 1994 by a former foster parent and a social worker, our mission is built on making a positive, lifelong difference for looked-after children, young people, and families.

Who We Are

Operating as part of the wider Polaris Community across the UK, our organisation brings together a dedicated multi-disciplinary network of supervising social workers, therapists, education advisors, and foster carers. We work in close partnership with local authorities and trusts to place children in safe, stable, and nurturing family environments.

What We Do

We deliver an integrated suite of professional fostering and therapeutic support solutions:

• Specialist Foster Placements: Providing short-term, long-term, emergency, and respite fostering placements for children and young people from diverse backgrounds.
• Team Parenting® Model: Implementing a unique multi-disciplinary therapeutic approach designed to address the complex emotional and behavioural needs of children who have experienced trauma or disruption.
• Education & Therapeutic Support: Supplying dedicated educational support officers, clinical therapists, and specialised training programs directly to foster families.
• 24/7 Carer Support Services: Offering round-the-clock professional guidance, out-of-hours advice lines, and active local support groups for all registered foster parents.

Our Approach & Values

• Child-Centred Wellbeing: Placing the safety, happiness, and long-term potential of every child at the core of all operational decisions.
• Unrivalled Carer Backing: Recognising that exceptional foster care requires exceptional support, providing competitive allowances alongside continuous professional development.
• Collaborative Community Practice: Fostering an inclusive, transparent culture where staff, carers, and local authorities work hand-in-hand to improve outcomes.

Industry Role

We operate as a Specialised Independent Fostering Agency. Our role is to act as a vital partner to statutory social services, supplying safe residential family infrastructure and intensive therapeutic support to help vulnerable young people thrive.