Adoption, Fostering, Family Staying Together Service (FaST)

The Fostering Team is supported in its role by an independent panel which considers all applications to become a foster carer both mainstream and kinship and this panel will make a recommendation as to the applicant suitability which is considered by the Agency Decision Maker for Fostering.

The Adoption Team is part of a regional adoption agency (RAA) Together for Adoption (TFA), which covers Cheshire West, Chester, Halton and St Helens. Whilst TFA is responsible for the identification and assessment of prospective adopters, the Adoption Team is responsible provides direct support to children of St Helens with a plan of adoption.

The FaST service offers intensive time limited support to children and families who are at risk of becoming looked after through direct support to children and families and through the identification and involvement of wider friends and families.