The Supervising Social Worker

Every foster carer must have this support and supervision whether they are employed by the local authority or by a fostering agency. The Supervising Social Worker's role is to coordinate the support needed by the foster carer to meet the child's needs in accordance with the placement plan. They will make regular visits to the foster home to see how the placement is progressing and to talk through any difficulties. Supervision sessions will consider the training and development needs of the foster carer in order to equip them with the necessary skills to respond to the child's needs. The child's educational progress should be discussed, together with any additional support or equipment the foster carer might need to promote this. Supervising Social Workers should also contribute appropriately to care planning, including preparation and review of PEPs.