Intensive Fostering Services

Kibble’s Intensive Fostering Services (IFS) aim to provide a community-based alternative to residential school for young people aged 12-18 years who present with challenging behaviour and are at risk. In addition, our Supported Care Services aim to provide community-based support and family living to young people aged 18-21 years who present with challenging behaviour and are at risk.

The services are unique in finding foster placements and providing secondary education, organised social activities and, for Foster Carers, high levels of formal training and 24-hour support. Young people are also supported by empowering them to engage effectively with external agencies in relation to career, further education, housing and health. Foster Carers are required to complete SVQ and HNC or equivalent qualifications – if they do not already have these. They also receive regular supervision from allocated Foster Care Social Workers.

Staff Team Development Day feedback:

The services offer particular benefits for young people, Foster Carers and the referring local authorities:

• The young person has the opportunity of living in a supportive and structured family environment, enabling them to receive emotional and behavioural support whilst developing social skills to support their future family and community living.
• Supported, appropriate contact between young people and their birth families and communities.
• Encouraging young people’s participation in decision making.
• Integrated family and education placement will enable young people to fulfil their potential.
• Carefully matching the young person’s needs to the skills and abilities of the Foster Carers and having regard to the young person’s cultural heritage.
• The Foster Carer will receive professional recognition through receiving a professional Foster Carer fee and allowance and support service.
• The local authority is able to provide a high quality needs-led resource – tailored to the unique needs of each young person placed.