Orchard Care Fostering

Orchard Care Fostering, located within the Durham County Council area in Durham, is a dedicated and family-run fostering agency committed to transforming lives for the better. Established in 2005, this not-for-profit organisation was a finalist at the Social Worker Awards 2023, reflecting its unwavering commitment to children and carers across the North East. Their core mission is to offer children the opportunity to live happily within a warm, supportive family setting, prioritising their social and emotional wellbeing.

The agency cultivates a safe and welcoming environment for children, fostering a secure and positive atmosphere for their development and a proven stability rate through time. Orchard Care Fostering provides robust educational support for foster children, ensuring opportunities for academic development and skill enhancement. Children can gain valuable qualifications through programmes like ASDAN, specifically in subjects such as Maths and English, helping them achieve their full potential. The agency also offers daytime support if a child is not in school, ensuring continuous learning and a positive environment where education can thrive effectively. A trusted and experienced team is available 24/7, providing crucial stability, comfort, and emotional support to both children and carers at any stage of the process.

This comprehensive support includes dedicated support workers, offering tailored guidance and assistance 365 days a year. Social Workers also provide monthly supervision and weekly contact, further reinforcing stability and professional effectiveness for a highly supported environment. Orchard Care Fostering empowers foster carers by providing a comprehensive training programme and ongoing guidance, strengthening their role as parental figures. This focus on supporting carers directly enhances parental involvement and ensures they are well-equipped to nurture children effectively.

The agency offers comprehensive fostering options designed to meet diverse needs, covering various age groups and placement types. These include long-term, short-term, emergency, and respite care, alongside specialist sibling, teenage, and disability fostering. Orchard Care Fostering also offers expert matching processes fully involving carers to ensure the best fit, alongside accessible properties with subsidised rent.

Their dedication to equal opportunities for all children underscores their commitment to positive outcomes and transforming lives.