Blogs

Step Up Step Down is The Fostering Network’s programme to help prevent children who are on the periphery of the care system in Northern Ireland from being taken into care, and instead supporting them to stay within their own homes.

Recently, the Step Up Step Down programme officer, Jade, enthusiastically contacted the parents and carers on the scheme, inviting them to the very first Incredible Years parenting course.

The course is designed to provide parents and carers with the tools and strategies that they need for a more positive family life at home, and is supported by a strong evidence base (www.incredibleyears.com).

By N B Lakhani on July 2nd, 2018

In the final instalment of our young champions blog, we hear from Amy and Lauren. In case you missed them, here are parts one and two.

By N B Lakhani on June 18th, 2018

Mrs Caregiver is a former nursery school teacher who lives with her husband and two sons. She decided to apply to become a foster carer after clearing out her husband’s former study (he was sent out to manage his firm’s office in Guernsey Monday to Friday, and no longer needs it), realising she could put it to good use, and she and Mr Caregiver have finally been approved for this new adventure.

In this fictional account, follow the Caregivers as they navigate the ups and downs of foster care, chronicling a journey full of surprises as they come to terms with their new role.

By N B Lakhani on June 14th, 2018

Our series of Walking Tall workshops has now concluded, and we are delighted to report that it has been an absolutely informative, invaluable, and fun experience. 

By N B Lakhani on June 7th, 2018

When fostering a child who is of a different faith to you, the learning curve is steep and broad. There are all sorts of requirements that will need careful thought and consideration.

By Lucy Stevens on June 4th, 2018
Are you ready to stop fostering, or have you considered stopping fostering in the past few months? I really do hope not but, it happens. Foster carers, for all sorts of reasons, sometimes decide to stop fostering and move on to other ‘adventures’. I’m aiming to find out why and what can be done to address some of the common factors that cause foster carers to stop fostering.
By Michelle.Galbraith on June 4th, 2018

Having blogged for many years about fostering and raising children I have more recently looked at ways in which adults and young people can achieve happiness and contentment. Last time we looked at taking responsibility for our lives and this time I would look at what can be achieved when we do so.

By Cathy Glass on June 1st, 2018

Proud to foster and proud to support fostering. Here is Kevin Williams, The Fostering Network's chief executive, closing statement as Foster Care FortnightTM draws to an end after two fabulous weeks.

By N B Lakhani on May 24th, 2018

Fantastic, you’ve been through the process of pre-approval training, assessment and panel and now you’ve been approved as a foster carer. That’s great news. But what can you expect next?

By Daniel.Sinclairtfn on May 23rd, 2018

Melissa Green is our director of operations, with a responsibility for our projects and programmes and our work across England. Here she looks at the year past, the year ahead and thanks foster families for the change they bring to the lives of the children and young people they care for.

By Daniel.Sinclairtfn on May 22nd, 2018