A Journey to Ethical Fostering: The Story of Three Circles
At Three Circles Fostering, our origin was one of passion and a steadfast commitment to improving outcomes for children in care. From our inception, we have been guided by the belief that fostering can and should be a force for positive change.
Here’s a look at that journey, and the principles that continue to drive us forward.
Inspired Beginnings
Three Circles was born out of the collective experiences of individuals deeply invested in a public care system that far too often fails children. One of our founders, Tim, spent years working for Manchester City Council, managing an education service within its Social Services Department, primarily for children in care but also those considered at risk of entering the care system.
During this time, he witnessed the profound impact education stability had on preventing family breakdowns, improving foster placements and reducing the apparent need for residential services.
In Manchester, an innovative collaboration between education professionals and colleagues within social services demonstrated that when children thrived in school their home placements, both with foster care and their own birth families, became much more stable.
However, such practice was rare and remains so to this day. Local authorities seem to recognise the value of integrating education services within social care but lack the political will to deliver these obvious benefits.
This frustration with systemic gaps within the public sector became the catalyst for change.
The Birth of NT&AS
In 1998, Tim and like-minded colleagues took a leap of faith, founding the National Teaching Advisory Service (NTAS). Their mission was simple: to provide education services tailored to the unique needs of children in foster care. By ensuring educational stability, they aimed to create a foundation for more stable and successful placements.
Despite initial scepticism from local authorities, private fostering agencies quickly saw the value in NTAS’ approach. The first major partnership with Foster Care Associates in Stockport demonstrated how integrated education support could make a tangible difference for children and their carers. This success set the stage for what would eventually become Three Circles Fostering.
Building an Ethical Fostering Agency
Three Circles Fostering was founded on the principle that fostering should prioritise the well-being of children and carers above all else. From the beginning, we have been committed to creating a culture of respect, transparency, and collaboration. Unlike many agencies driven by profit motives, we reinvest our resources into enhancing our services and supporting our carers.
One of our proudest commitments is that Three Circles will never be sold. This ensures that our mission remains focused on the children and carers we serve, not on financial gain. We believe that fostering is a vocation, not a business, and our structure reflects this ethos.
A Culture of Equality and Respect
At Three Circles, every team member and carer plays a vital role in our success. From social workers to administrative staff, we value the contributions of each individual. Similarly, our foster carers are treated as equal partners in the care process, recognised for the incredible work they do in providing stability and support for children.
We regularly consult with our carers to ensure their voices are heard. Through open communication and mutual respect, we foster a sense of partnership that strengthens our entire community. This approach has created an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to make a difference.
Looking Ahead
As Three Circles continues to grow, our focus remains on expanding and enhancing the support we offer. Education is a cornerstone of our mission, and we are committed to strengthening our educational services to ensure every child in our care has the opportunity to succeed academically and personally.
Our journey is far from over, but we remain steadfast in our vision of ethical fostering. By prioritising the needs of children and carers, we aim to set a benchmark for what fostering can achieve. Three Circles Fostering is more than an agency; it is a community built on trust, compassion, and a shared commitment to making a difference.
We invite you to join us on this journey as we continue to strive for excellence in fostering. Together, we can create brighter futures for children in care.