Compass Fostering — Midlands
Birmingham · Independent Fostering AgencyNational
Ofsted: GoodCompass Fostering supports carers across the Midlands with a structured training pathway and local supervising social workers.
What sets Compass apart
Compass is part of Compass Community, an organisation that provides wrap-around education, fostering, residential and therapeutic services all under one roof. That means children placed with Compass carers can draw on additional in-house clinical and educational expertise when they need it.
The agency is organised around regional and neighbourhood offices, with the Birmingham team dedicated to carers across the West Midlands. Compass describes its philosophy as "looking for potential, not perfection" — open to first-time foster families as well as experienced carers in search of new challenges.
www.compassfostering.comSupport at a glance
A named social worker from the Birmingham office who visits regularly and knows your family well.
Round-the-clock telephone support from people who know the agency, with the local team available during the day.
Direct access to Compass Community's therapeutic team for children with more complex emotional needs.
Pre-approval training, the TSDS workbook and ongoing CPD covering trauma, attachment, behaviour and safeguarding.
Regular foster carer support groups across the Midlands so you can swap experience and reduce isolation.
Compass Community also runs schools and education services — useful when a foster child needs specialist provision.
Types of fostering offered
Compass supports short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, sibling group and therapeutic placements, with carers based across the West Midlands, Staffordshire and Shropshire.
Allowances
From £400/week per child. Allowances cover the child's living costs and include a professional fee for your skills. Final figures depend on the age and needs of the child and your level of experience — contact the Birmingham office for an up-to-date breakdown.
What Ofsted say
Compass operates its Midlands service through Compass Services for Children Limited, which holds a current Good Ofsted rating. Inspectors have consistently recognised the agency's structured carer support, its training offer, and the benefits of being part of a wider organisation that also provides education and therapeutic services.