We have carers from many different ethnic backgrounds and religions, so that we can provide as good a “match” as possible. Within the group of young people that we look after there are examples of unique cultural matches and frequently, these matches are very successful. Of our current foster carers, 30% are black or from other ethnic minority groups.

As an organisation, we take pride in striving to provide the best service that we can to young people from diverse cultural backgrounds. We have considerable experience of working with Unaccompanied Asylum Seekers and working with young people for whom English is not their first language.

We are also vigilant in meeting the religious needs of young people and during fostering assessments, it is made clear to potential carers that they will be expected, when necessary to support a young person to pursue their faith.

We provide training on diversity – at induction, first tier and second tier levels. Throughout the assessment process, promoting diversity and challenging oppressive views are continual themes. These are considered of key importance when assessing the viability of carers and whether we wish to proceed with an assessment.

The agency has a commitment to providing the best possible service to young people and we recognise that of vital importance are the knowledge and skills of the foster carer. In cases where individual external training would improve the carer’s ability to meet specific needs, particularly with regards to disability and culture, the organisation will source and fund such training.

We have a family support worker who has a good level of signing ability and we also have some foster carers who are able to use basic sign language.

Our carers are located around the whole of the North West, with a concentration in the Greater Manchester area.