Adolescent Resource Centre (ARC)

Key Online Services: First steps to fostering - enquiry form

The Adolescent Resource Centre (ARC) provides an ‘alternative to care’ approach and the service is offered to families where a young person (13 – 17 years old) is at high risk of becoming looked after.

Aims of the ARC

Image of teenage children The ARC aims to prevent young people from entering the care system and to keep them within their family and kinship networks, so that they feel safe, supported and hopeful for their future.

The ARC does this by working with the young people intensively to address issues and hopefully to change behavioural patterns.

The role of foster carers

Foster carers play a key role in this process by offering respite care. This may be on an emergency basis or as part of repeated planned respite sessions aimed at giving the young person and/or their family a regular break.

Foster carers also act as a ‘buddy’ to the young person's parents. This strengthens relationships and provides parents with advice and support.

Foster carers work closely with ARC staff and other professionals to achieve the best possible outcome for the young person.

Further information

If you would like to find out more about the ARC please see our list of frequently asked questions below, or you can complete the First Steps to Fostering Enquiry form, or email us using the details below.

Adolescent Resource Centre (ARC) frequently asked questions

1. Why are young people referred to the ARC?

Young people who are referred to the ARC are likely to be at risk from involvement in sexual exploitation, criminalisation, drug and substance abuse, school non-attendance and displays of violent and aggressive behaviour within the home.

The young person is very likely to be involved with other services; e.g. the Police, Youth Offending Service, Barnardo’s Miss-U and U-Turn Service as well as substance misuse services. Where appropriate, these services will be encouraged to remain involved throughout the ARC intervention.

2. Is the ARC scheme different from regular fostering placements?

The scheme is different from other fostering placements as foster carers are expected to actively participate in planning meetings and are paid on an hourly basis.

There is also an overnight emergency placement rota and the carer will be paid for being signed up to this irrespective of whether a placement is made or not.

3. Do you need to be an experienced foster carer to join the ARC scheme?

Suitable existing foster carers will already be approved and experienced at a suitable level.

New enquirers who are interested in these schemes will need to have relevant skills and experience that will be transferable in order to allow you to foster at this level.

For more information please contact us using the details on this web page.

Contact information

If you want to contact us regarding the content of this page please contact us at:

fostering.services@southampton.gov.uk
0800 5 19 18 18
Fostering Team, 6th Floor, Marland House, Southampton, SO14 7PQ

For any other council related enquiries please contact:

enquiries@southampton.gov.uk
023 8083 3000
General Enquiries Civic Centre, SO14 7LY