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History of Foster Care Associates (FCA)
Since its formation in 1994, the development of FCA has been as incremental as it has impressive. The history of FCA shows a rapid growth pattern and while this could suggest a shift in focus, the organisation continues to place the needs of the foster carers and looked after child firmly at the centre of what it does.
Beginning life in the West Midlands, the FCA company history shows growth from a small office in Bromsgrove to become a multi-national organisation positioned as the UK’s leading Independent Fostering Agency (IFA).
The brainchild of Jim Cockburn and Jan Rees, FCA was born out of the desire to make a real difference to the lives of children and young people living in the UK’s care system.
The development of the Team Parenting™ approach
A key driver in the early development of FCA was to bring about change and shape a better future for some of society’s most troubled youngsters. Realising this aim has proven highly significant in FCA's history. Jan Rees, a former foster carer and Jim Cockburn, an experienced Social Worker, recognised the need to introduce a quality foster care service to give the most challenging and ‘difficult to place’ looked after children or young people the opportunity to experience living in a stable and supportive family unit.
“Having been a foster carer myself, I know that fostering can be a life changing experiences,” says Jan. “My own experiences inspired me to set up Foster Care Associates some 14 years ago. Since then, I have admired the work of foster carers from all walks of life who have helped bring about positive change to the lives of many looked after children.”
Out of this inspiration, Team Parenting™was born – a new and innovative approach to foster care based on the integration of support services. This approach was set to change the shape of fostering not only in the UK, but across the world.
Its success can only be measured by the number of positive outcomes FCA has achieved for thousands of children and young people in its care.
International Expansion
In 2002, FCA Ltd was established, and there was expansion across the UK into Northern Ireland and Scotland. In 2005, a major milestone in the history of FCA was achieved by moving into the
The development of FCA’s infrastructure and reputation in foster care enabled expansion further afield, allowing FCA to make its mark on the international scene. In collaboration with organisations across the globe, the agency continues to share its unique Team Parenting™ practice with like-minded professionals in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Finland, Sweden and Germany.
Read about our Visions & Values
