A supportive foster care agency
We care for you so you can care for children
Hello, we are Orchard Care, We offer children and young people the opportunity to live in a family home. It is important for us to find a foster family who can look after you and make you feel safe. Sometimes you might feel confused about what is happening to you, we hope you can find more information here that will help you.
We are a family run fostering agency in the North East of England. Started in 2005, we want all children to feel equal and hope to change lives for the better.
Stability
Safeguarding
All of the children and young people we place are unique. Everyone we place in a foster care home come from different backgrounds and all have a different story to tell, just like you.
At Orchard Care, we have to know that you are safe, it is really important to us that we do everything we can to give you a safe life at home.
You can talk to the Orchard Care Team anytime. Day or night. We have a trusted team that is on hand 24/7 to offer support.
Your Social Worker also makes sure you are safe, healthy and well looked after. They make decisions on where you live, if you can see your family and friends and how often.
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Your Independent Reviewing Officer makes sure EVERYBODY is looking after you properly. Carers, Schools, Social Workers etc.
What's fostering?
This might be your first time in care or you may have been in care before, either way, let's look at what is fostering? It is when a person or family look after a child or young person when they can't live with their birth family. When you live with your foster carer they will give you everything that you need and you will be safe in their care. Your new home may already have children living their, they may be your foster carers' own or other foster children.
Your Placement
When you move into your new home it is normal to feel nervous, worried or even scared. It will take time to get to know people, you will feel sad about moving away from your own family or previous foster carer. Your new foster carer will help you settle in. Make your social worker and new foster carer(s) aware of anything that will make you feel better about moving in. Your foster carer(s) will also tell you lots about themselves and you may even have things in common.
Personal Service
Family-run
Stay Safe
Here at Orchard Care, bullying is not accepted.
Not by anyone.
Bullying can take many forms...
PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL, CYBER.
If you are being bullied in school, at home or anywhere tell your social worker, foster carer or another adult that you trust.
Please do not accept it or hide it. You can talk to us. You don't have to cope with it alone.
The internet and mobile phones can be great for many reason, but sometimes the internet and social media can be misused and harmful. Please take care when using the internet. If you are worried about who you are talking to, report them, never agree to meet someone in real life if you have met them online.
Childline is a free, private an confidential service where you can talk about anything,
Open 24/7 Call 0800 1111
For friendly and confidential advice about drugs call FRANK on 0300 1236600 available 24/7. Text 821111 or visit www.talktofrank.com
PAPYRUS provide confidential support to young people struggling with thoughts of suicide. Call 0800 0684241 9am to midnight or visit www.papyrus-uk.org
The YoungMinds Crisis messenger service provides free, 24/7 crisis support in the UK. You can text YM to 85358
The National Youth Advocacy Service offers a range of additional support as part of a mission to support, safeguard and empower children, young people and adults in vulnerable situations. They have a frephone helpline open 9am-8pm 0808 8081001 or email help@nyas.net
Ofsted is the governing body responsible for upholding standards in foster care. They inspect and regulate fostering agencies, including Orchard Care. You can contact Ofsted by writing, phoning or via their website. Piccadilly Gate, Store Street, Manchester, M1 2WD. 0300 123 1231 www.ofsted.gov.uk
The Childrens' Commisioner promotes and protects the rights of children, especially the most vulnerable, and stands up for their views and interests. You can contact The Children's Commissioner by writing, phoning or email. Sanctuary Buildings, 20 Great Smith Street, London, SW1P 3BT 020 7783 8330 info.request@childrenscommissioner.gsi.gov.uk
Education
Children between the age of 4 and 16 must have an education and this applies to foster children too. It is very important that you go to a school that is right for you. We will try to keep you at your current school when you move in with your foster carer(s), however, this sometimes does not happen due to you moving too far away. We will support you when you start your new school, we understand it is a difficult time while you adjust and make new friends.
Religion, Race and Culture
When you move in with you foster carer(s) they will make sure you have the chance to continue any religious or cultural things you do, they will respect your religious and spiritual beliefs as it is important you are able to keep any traditions or rituals. Training will be given to foster carers on religions and cultures so you are able to feel comfortable speaking to them about your needs. If your foster carers don't have the same beliefs as you, they won't make you take part in anything that you don't want to.
Disabled Children & Young People
Foster carers offer specialist care to children who have autism, learning difficulties, physical disabilities or medical conditions. Being disabled should not stop you from enjoying life. Finding a great foster carer that meets the needs of a child can be challenging but, for a disabled child, the challenge is often greater.