Welcome to the November edition of our Fostering South West newsletter
October marked an incredibly busy and important month in the fostering calendar. Firstly, thank you to everyone who engaged with our campaigns around Black History Month and Children of Foster Carers Month. It was lovely to hear so many personal stories of how these touched your lives. It was also fantastic to have so many engaged conversations with people at varying stages of their fostering journey, be it at our events or over the phone with members of the team.
October saw the launch of our brand partnership with Mood Bears, and the culmination of our competitions to name our mascot Hope, and to win a large bundle of Mood Bears via our Facebook and Instagram. We’re incredibly grateful for Mood Bears’ support, follow our social media to keep up to date with future opportunities to engage with them. Further partnerships are in the works here at Fostering South West, and details of these will be released in due course.
Looking forward, the start of November marks National Care Leavers Week, an annual celebration run by the charity Become. It’s been great to take part in events with our local council partners to celebrate the importance of this.
So, no matter where you are on your fostering journey, we hope you’ll enjoy reading more below. Don’t forget, we’re here for you whenever you feel ready to take the next step, or if you just want some of your questions answered.
Bring your skills and experience to fostering!
The skills and experiences people gain through their careers can be incredibly valuable when becoming a foster carer.
For example, those who have worked with children or in healthcare, education, or social work often have a deep understanding of child development and emotional well-being. Their ability to handle complex situations with care and communicate effectively helps create a nurturing environment for foster children. These professionals bring a wealth of knowledge that can make a real difference in a child’s life.
But it’s not just those in caregiving professions who make great foster carers. People from all walks of life, whether in business, law enforcement, or the arts, bring unique skills to the table. Their problem-solving abilities, resilience, and empathy are essential in providing the support and stability that foster children need. At Fostering South West, we celebrate the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our foster carers, knowing that each one contributes to a loving and supportive community for our children.
Mood Bears x Fostering South West
In October, we announced an exciting partnership with Mood Bears, a renowned toy brand dedicated to supporting children’s emotional well-being. This collaboration aims to enhance support for local council foster carers by providing exclusive discounts and opportunities to engage with Mood Bears, whose toys help children express and understand their emotions in a fun and accessible way.
This partnership highlights Mood Bears’ commitment to fostering awareness and supporting local council initiatives. Together, Fostering South West and Mood Bears are dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where children can thrive emotionally and socially. This collaboration benefits children in care and strengthens the support network for foster carers.
Keep an eye on our social channels for engagement opportunities and competitions to win prizes!
National Care Leavers Week 2024
National Care Leavers Week takes place from 28 October to 3 November and we want to mark this week of celebration across the region. National Care Leavers Week is an annual opportunity to celebrate Care Leavers and amplify their voices.
The theme for this year’s Care Leavers Week is All of Us, We are One. This theme is around connecting communities and was voted for by Care Leavers.
There are also four aspects to Care Leavers Week based around the word Care:
- C – Celebrate Care Leavers
- A – Amplify their voices
- R – Raise awareness of challenges
- E – Encourage change in policy and practice.
We will be taking part in activities across the region with our partner local councils. If this is something you’d like to support, get in touch with our team and we will direct you to your appropriate local council.
Assessment and Panel
The fostering assessment and panel stage is a crucial part of the application process for becoming a foster carer with your local council.
During the assessment, a social worker will visit your home several times to get to know you and your family. They will discuss your background, experiences, and motivations for fostering, as well as assess your home environment to ensure it is safe and suitable for children. This stage is an opportunity for you to ask questions and learn more about what fostering involves.
Once the assessment is complete, your application will be presented to an independent fostering panel. The panel, which includes professionals from various backgrounds, will review the assessment report and ask any additional questions they may have. Their role is to ensure that all potential foster carers are well-prepared and capable of providing a loving and stable home for children in care. After the panel makes their recommendation, the final decision is made by the agency’s decision-maker. This thorough process helps ensure that every foster carer is ready to make a positive impact on a child’s life.
Find out more about the different stages of the fostering application process below.
Monthly myth buster
Throughout the course of our newsletters, we give a spotlight in each edition to a common misconception about fostering. This month, it’s the myth that working may prevent you from fostering.
This is a question we are asked a lot.
It’s a common misconception that foster carers can’t work! We’re here to bust that myth because you absolutely can work while being a foster carer. While some choose not to have additional employment, many foster carers successfully balance fostering with their careers.
We want to hear from people from all backgrounds and careers as the experiences you get through your professional life may bring a range of transferrable skills that will help you in your fostering journey.
Don’t let this myth hold you back from making a difference! Working and fostering can go hand in hand and if you’re passionate about helping children and young people across the region, it’s possible to do both.
Our recommended read
“The Foster Carer’s Handbook on Health” by Hannah Smith and Nikki Shepherd is an essential guide for managing the health needs of children in care. Written by healthcare professionals, it addresses the unique challenges fostered children face, such as higher rates of disabilities and mental health issues due to early trauma. The handbook offers practical advice on registering with healthcare providers, conducting health assessments, and managing common issues like bedwetting and emotional well-being.
It also emphasises the importance of self-care for foster carers, ensuring they maintain their own health while supporting the children. This guide is invaluable for both new and experienced foster carers, helping them navigate the healthcare system and advocate for the best outcomes for the children in their care.
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