If you’re a regular on our news page, you’ll know we love to bring you foster carer’s stories, but we also like to tell you a bit about us!
Nexus Fostering was founded in 2002 in London by a social worker, Grace, who remains our director today and is always involved in different elements of the business. Providing positive outcomes for children & young people is still her motivation in everything she does.
what is an independent fostering agency (IFA)?
We are an independent agency, meaning we are not part of a local authority (though we work with them closely, helping to find foster homes for their children & young people in need).
There are many benefits to being an independent agency. We are a dedicated service whose sole purpose is providing resources and support for foster carers, children & young people.
Grace says, “We are particularly proud that we keep caseloads for our Social Workers low, meaning they have time to really get to know the foster carers and the children & young people they care for.”
“This also means carers are never alone; their Social Worker is available to them over the phone or to support them in meetings because they work with fewer foster families.”
Nexus Fostering are part of BSN Social Care, a group of three independent fostering agencies who each cover an area of the UK. This benefits Nexus Fostering as the running of the company (e.g. marketing, HR) is done by BSN, leaving the Nexus Fostering team to focus on foster carers and achieving successful outcomes for the children and young people they care for. It also helps us to share ideas, costs and best practice.
long term, successful placements
Assistant Director, Kelly said, “We have an excellent record of long term placements. Young people being moved has rightly caused concern, so we do everything we can to stop this cycle when young people come to us. Across the agency, approximately 65% of children and young people live with a long term family, 70% are in placements of more than 1 year duration and 90% remain in the same family from the point of joining the agency.”
“Additionally, about 8% of our children and young people remain with the family who fostered them under a permanent arrangement which is not fostering, which proves the lasting relationships our foster carers are supported to build.”
increased opportunities
Operating as an independent agency allows for increased opportunities for Nexus Fostering carers.
“We invest in and offer specialist training including attachment training and support through our therapeutic team. Some of our placements are supported by a psychotherapist and an outreach worker.”
We have been rated as Ofsted outstanding across all areas for three inspections in a row, since 2011. We are extremely proud of this. This independent rating is due to the enhanced services and provisions we are able to make for our foster carers and staff, enabling them to care for the children & young people in their homes who need them most.
Are you interested in learning more about Nexus Fostering, or want to make an enquiry? Call us on 0800 389 0143!