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. 

Team Parenting™ was born – a new and innovative model of practice 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 Republic of Ireland and the formation of a then sister agency, Fostering First Ireland. 

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.

Vision & Values
FCA’s Vision & Values outline our commitment to providing our foster carers with the necessary support services and looked after children and young people with the highest quality fostering placements. 

Our Mission Statement
To provide quality care in a family setting 

Our Vision
To make a positive and lasting difference to the lives of children and young people 

Our Goal
FCA will remain the leading Independent Fostering Agency (IFA) in the UK, continuing to break new ground in developing and offering a range of creative services for children and young people looked after. 

FCA will continue to work in partnership with statutory bodies and foster carers, to meet their specific needs and deliver positive outcomes. FCA will maintain a positive public image, influence policy and practice and continue to grow business opportunities, generate income growth and profitability.

To meet this Goal we will:

• Provide effective support to carers and their families 
• Continue to recruit and retain excellent employees and carers 
• Encourage and provide ongoing Learning and Development opportunities for employees, carers, children and young people 
• Place participation and consultation with children, carers and employees at the heart of our work 
• Maintain a strong business that shapes and influences the fostering market 
• Continue to be a major supplier of high quality children’s services  

Our Values

• Be Child Focused
• Care for our Carers 
• Work as one team 
• Lead by example 
• Value our customers