This evaluation had three strands that included a brief review of relevant literature, a survey of existing and prospective foster carers and in-depth semi-structured interviews with ten existing and two prospective foster carers. The literature review focused on the social, educational and long-term outcomes for children in foster care, the impact of providing support for foster carers on their own well-being and that of children and the effectiveness of helpline support such as that provided by Fosterline. Survey and interviews focused on foster carers’ motivation to foster, their experiences of fostering children and the support and advice received from Fosterline in their fostering role
