Fostering in Thames Valley
When you join Foster Care Associates Thames Valley you will be joining an experienced, diverse and knowledgeable fostering provider who has been Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’.
Welcome to Foster Care Associates Thames Valley
FCA Thames Valley region was established in 1998. As a region, we are caring, supportive and inclusive. Our registered office is situated in Milton Keynes.
We provide care for children and young people from 21 Local Authorities. What makes FCA unique is that we have a fantastic team of staff who are dedicated to providing support to our foster parents in order to ensure they are fully equipped to understand and support our children.
By Phone
One of our team is available to talk to you over the phone to answer any of your fostering queries.
By Email
One of our team is available to talk to you over the phone to answer any of your fostering queries.
Live chat
You can now chat online to help you find your answers. Speak to an FCA member right away.
Visit an office
Foster Care Associates, Wavendon Tower, Wavendon Business Park, Ortensia Drive, Milton Keynes, MK17 8LX
Welcome from Kate Knight, Registered Manager
Welcome to FCA Thames Valley!
We are a caring, supportive and inclusive region and we all work hard to ensure this ethos is at the heart of everything we do for our foster parents, children and young people. We actively work in partnership with local authorities to support matching fostering households to the needs of children and young people.
As a region we really do like for everyone to get involved and be part of the FCA family from Monthly Foster Parent Support groups to Wacky Wednesdays, Theme Park days and trips to the Beach, taking part in the Annual Big Sing Off and Carer Appreciation Day there really is something for everyone!
Meet our team
Lisa Turney
Fostering Services Manager
Katie Ballard
Office Manager
Kate Knight
Registered Manager
Tracey Harris
Referrals Manager
Debbie Osman
Administrator
Hollie Parkinson
Administrator
Faye Keadell
Supervising Social Worker
Bethany Duncombe
Supervising Social Worker
Having fun with FCA Thames Valley
We are renowned for our family activities and fostering families are offered a range of activities and events to attend. There is always something exciting to look forward to, we regularly organise events and support groups for our foster parents their families and children and the children they look after.
During school holidays, fostering families are invited to attend local activities so all family members are able to engage in a fun activity and meet existing fostering families and young people.
Together with local events, we also hold regional events such as day trips to London, theme park days and annual events such as Christmas parties.
As well as dedicated activities for our children and young people we also hold regular competitions and there is a monthly children’s newsletter. We also have a range of tools to ensure young people are achieving and working towards adulthood such as our annual Achievement Awards and independence booklet.
We place our children at the centre of what we do and they are actively involved in shaping the services we offer with opportunities to give feedback.
FCA Thames Valley Rated Outstanding from Ofsted
Foster Care Associates (FCA), Thames Valley region received top grades from Ofsted in its latest inspection – rated “Outstanding” in all areas.
Young person crowned winner of national photography competition
A 12-year-old child from FCA Thames Valley was crowned the winner of the FCA National photography competition, with his ‘old versus new’ photo which was taken in London, of St Pauls Cathedral framed between two glass office buildings.
Big on Support, Local in Care
As one of the UK’s largest independent foster agencies, we take immense pride in offering you unwavering local support precisely when you require it. Our commitment to you is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Your needs are our priority.
We cover the home counties, stretching from:
- Bedford to Reading
- Hertfordshire to Milton Keynes
- Incorporating North and West London
If you are already fostering and considering transferring to us, we would love to hear from you.
How do Foster Care Associates offer support in the Thames Valley?
It’s the can-do attitude that makes fostering with Foster Care Associates Thames Valley such a rewarding experience. Our experienced team of fostering professionals will provide you with the highest levels of local training and support. From monthly foster carer support groups to a diverse range of activities and events you’ll be instantly welcomed into the fostering family and well looked after too. We make sure you never feel alone throughout your fostering journey and our team is always on hand to answer any questions you have.
In order to support our foster parents and children in the best possible way we have a group of highly skilled team who are brimming with experience and knowledge. Our staff are committed to supporting, developing and working together with our foster parents to make a real and positive difference to children and young people’s lives in their transition to a bright and fulfilling future.
- Guidance and support to access training and continuous professional development through classroom-based training and via e-learning.
- Provide therapeutic reflect groups and access to a therapist ‘drop-in’ clinic.
- Buddy system to connect foster parents with other foster parents who have experience in a particular area.
- Online support: Access to a portal to read about everything that is happening at Foster Care Associates, plus access to discounts to a range of sites.
- Social Worker and regional team: 100 %of foster parents feel they can always contact their Social Worker or regional team
- 24/7 local support: Including monthly support groups local support groups, and therapeutic groups in Thames Valley.
- Training and Development: Including independent advice with FREE membership to FosterTalk.
- Team Parenting: A regional and national network of childcare experts who may work with each child or young person to look after every single area of their well-being.
- Local and national events: A comprehensive events and activities calendar, such as the Big Sing Off and fun days.
About us
Set up by a former foster parent and former social worker in 1994, Foster Care Associates (FCA) is an established fostering agency which forms part of the Polaris Community – one of the UK’s largest leading communities of children’s service providers.
We cover the home counties, stretching from:
Bedford to Reading
Hertfordshire to Milton Keynes
Incorporating North and West London
If you are already fostering and considering transferring to us, we would love to hear from you.
Office Opening Hours
| Monday | 9am–5pm |
| Tuesday | 9am–5pm |
| Wednesday | 9am–5pm |
| Thursday | 9am–5pm |
| Friday | 9am–5pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Find us
Foster Care Associates, Wavendon Tower, Wavendon Business Park, Ortensia Drive, Milton Keynes, MK17 8LX
Ofsted report
Statement of purpose
Foster parent satisfaction survey
Meet our Foster Parents…
Speak to our team
Whether you’re ready to start your journey or just want to chat to an expert, we’re here to talk.
Enquiry Form
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