could you foster https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/ en A fantastic two weeks of celebration https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/blogs/n-b-lakhani/fantastic-two-weeks-celebration <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--blog.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span>A fantastic two weeks of celebration</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--blog.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">N B Lakhani</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--blog.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span>Thu, 05/24/2018 - 11:08</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/tfnetwork/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/tfnetwork/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-introduction--blog.html.twig * field--node--field-introduction.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--field-introduction.html.twig * field--text-long.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-introduction field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Proud to foster and proud to support fostering. Here is Kevin Williams,&nbsp;The Fostering Network's chief executive, closing statement&nbsp;as Foster Care Fortnight<sup>TM</sup> draws to an end after two fabulous weeks.</p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--blog.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--body.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>It barely seems two minutes since I kicked this year’s Foster Care Fortnight off with <a href="https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/blogs/kevin-williams/foster-care-fortnight-2018-thank-you-our-chief-executive">my thank you letter</a> to foster families and all those who work with them. And yet, another Foster Care Fortnight – my third as chief executive of The Fostering Network – has flown by.</p> <p>The theme of this year’s campaign has been ‘proud to foster’ and ‘proud to support fostering’ – and it’s been magnificent seeing the various ways that you have expressed that pride…<a href="https://www.facebook.com/thefosteringnetwork/photos/pcb.10156423961846103/10156423946756103/?type=3&amp;theater">photos</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkdFp2m6d0mjdVxkDQ3qF01tqfh_mkWpW">videos</a>, events, sponsored walks, cream teas, pamper afternoons, media interviews, <a href="https://twitter.com/Dreams_Beds/status/997504983229718529">tweets </a>and so on. There have also been hundreds of articles in newspapers and interviews on TV and radio about fostering, as well as huge engagement on social media – our launch Twitter and Facebook messages reached a massive 2.1 million people on the first morning alone.</p> <p>The shout has gone up loud and clear that we’re proud of fostering; we’re proud of the transformational power it has in the lives of thousands of children and young people; we’re proud of the impact it has on us, the foster carers and other professionals who work with those children and young people; we’re proud of the difference it makes to our own children. Thank you for being so involved over the last couple of weeks. Together we are raising awareness of fostering and its vital place in our society.</p> <p>I wrote at the beginning of Foster Care Fortnight that I love these two weeks because it gives us a chance to focus on celebrating foster care. It absolutely does do that…but, of course, what’s important is that we continue to celebrate foster care throughout the year – after all, we’re proud to support fostering every single day – at the same time as working tirelessly to do all we can to make foster care the very best it can be.</p> <p>Thank you again for our support for Foster Care Fortnight and for what you do for the children and young people in your care.</p> <p>Kevin Williams</p> <p>Chief Executive, The Fostering Network</p> <p>PS If you haven’t seen our Foster Care Fortnight video yet, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jrlqCtOmyc">do have a watch</a></p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-blog-tags--blog.html.twig * field--node--field-blog-tags.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--field-blog-tags.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1913" hreflang="en">proud to foster</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1914" hreflang="en">proud to support fostering</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/799" hreflang="en">foster care fortnight</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1712" hreflang="en">could you foster</a></div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="flag.link_builder:build" arguments="0=node&amp;1=11305&amp;2=favourite_content" token="1lW-QibolJ8wIygMUVAQCXindJSKp1yvIxbbm5DYEKQ"></drupal-render-placeholder> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-comment--blog.html.twig * field--node--field-comment.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--field-comment.html.twig x field--comment.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/comment/templates/field--comment.html.twig' --> <section> <h2>Add new comment</h2> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderForm" arguments="0=node&amp;1=11305&amp;2=field_comment&amp;3=comment" token="ltgSY6o6F0bqC_5XvqqVlFpI_3-WP2KVbyhfJjetAac"></drupal-render-placeholder> </section> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/comment/templates/field--comment.html.twig' --> Thu, 24 May 2018 11:08:10 +0000 N B Lakhani 11305 at https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/blogs/n-b-lakhani/fantastic-two-weeks-celebration#comments What to expect once you've become a foster carer https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/blogs/danielsinclairtfn/what-expect-once-youve-become-foster-carer <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--blog.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span>What to expect once you&#039;ve become a foster carer</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--blog.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Daniel.Sinclairtfn</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--blog.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span>Wed, 05/23/2018 - 12:51</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/tfnetwork/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/tfnetwork/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-introduction--blog.html.twig * field--node--field-introduction.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--field-introduction.html.twig * field--text-long.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-introduction field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>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?</p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--blog.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--body.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Above all, you can expect to get a great deal of reward from fostering. You’ll get new family members and friends for life. You’ll experience many proud, happy and memorable moments yourself, with your family and with the child or young person you are looking after, and most importantly, you’ll get the chance to positively transform a child’s life.</p> <p>However, become a foster carer will most likely be a big change to your life.</p> <p>You might well have to wait for a while for the first child or young person to come to live with you (<a href="https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/blogs/n-b-lakhani/first-arrival">read our blog about that here</a>). You will be looking after children who have experienced trauma and will require a specialised approach to their care. Their behaviours may be more challenging than those of other children you know, so you will need good emotional resilience (and, most foster carers say, a great sense of humour). You may have to build new relationships with the child’s birth family and others in the team around your fostered child; stay on top of paperwork such as regiserting as self-employed, keeping accurate and up-to-date records and logging significant events and behaviour; and you will also be required to do life story work with your child and be keenly involved with their education.</p> <p>As a foster carer you are never alone. You can expect to have various sources of ongoing support available to you. The most important will be your supervising social worker, a member of the team allocated to support you from your fostering service, who should meet regularly with you to discuss any concerns you have, offer you supervision, and arrange any training you feel you need (as well as some compulsory training your service will provide). Every year after you begin fostering your fostering service will review your personal development plan and your approval to foster.</p> <p>There will inevitably be frustrations – with the children in your care, the fostering service you are with, or the fostering system in general – so having supportive friends and family is extremely valuable in helping you foster as are your fellow foster carers and other childcare professionals.</p> <p>The Fostering Network can also provide you with support. Our membership provides access to <a href="https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/advice-information/advice/fostering-network-helplines">country-specific helplines</a>, a range of information and advice services, discounts on training and publications as well as money off holidays, insurance and popular family attractions.</p> <p>Read our <a href="https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/advice-information/could-you-foster/frequently-asked-questions">frequently asked questions</a> to find out more about fostering as check out our <a href="https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/advice-information/could-you-foster/frequently-asked-questions">Could you foster?</a> pages.</p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-blog-tags--blog.html.twig * field--node--field-blog-tags.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--field-blog-tags.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1712" hreflang="en">could you foster</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/799" hreflang="en">foster care fortnight</a></div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="flag.link_builder:build" arguments="0=node&amp;1=11304&amp;2=favourite_content" token="ZcXrNvjOIif-xF_638sIBRo-astnbWoye2E6P8MwbZ8"></drupal-render-placeholder> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-comment--blog.html.twig * field--node--field-comment.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--field-comment.html.twig x field--comment.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/comment/templates/field--comment.html.twig' --> <section> <h2>Add new comment</h2> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderForm" arguments="0=node&amp;1=11304&amp;2=field_comment&amp;3=comment" token="rumNGhQloyZEIXBlYpg0eqjJ-OdtxkSSFeyw8e4H1Q0"></drupal-render-placeholder> </section> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/comment/templates/field--comment.html.twig' --> Wed, 23 May 2018 12:51:47 +0000 Daniel.Sinclairtfn 11304 at https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/blogs/danielsinclairtfn/what-expect-once-youve-become-foster-carer#comments How to become a foster carer https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/blogs/n-b-lakhani/how-become-foster-carer <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--blog.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span>How to become a foster carer</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--blog.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">N B Lakhani</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--blog.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span>Mon, 05/21/2018 - 13:59</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/tfnetwork/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/tfnetwork/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-introduction--blog.html.twig * field--node--field-introduction.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--field-introduction.html.twig * field--text-long.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-introduction field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>So, you’ve made the decision that you’d like to become a foster carer. You think you have the right skills and experience, you have the desire to offer a safe and caring home to a child or young person…and, of course, you have a spare room. Now what happens?</p> <p>Becoming a foster carer will typically take around eight months from the first enquiry. There is a series of visits and assessments with a social worker before and final interview with a panel which will make a decision as to whether you will be approved to foster.</p> <p>This sounds quite onerous, but it’s a very important part of your fostering journey – it gives you plenty of time to ask questions and reflect on what it will mean being a foster carer (not just for you, but for your family and friends), and allows your fostering service to ensure that you are going to be a good foster carer.</p> <p>This blog gives a summary of the various stages of becoming a foster carer. For more comprehensive information read our <a href="https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/advice-information/could-you-foster/frequently-asked-questions">frequently asked questions.</a></p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--blog.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--body.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><h3>Step one: Decide what type of fostering you want to do</h3> <p>There are several different types of foster care such as short-term, long-term, emergency, short break care and support care. There are more details on these on our <a href="https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/advice-information/could-you-foster/types-fostering">types of fostering page</a>.</p> <p>You also need to decide who you want to foster (also known as your approval range). You can foster children from newborn to 18 years old (and now some young people stay living with their former foster carers until they are 21). You should decide upon an age group that you would feel most comfortable looking after.</p> <p>Over time your fostering service may want to build up your skills so that you can widen your approval range. A further consideration is whether you would be willing and able to look after children with additional needs such as those with disabilities. You should let the service know your thoughts when you make enquiries, but they will also explore this further during step three.</p> <h3>Step two: Decide on a fostering service</h3> <p>This is a key decision and can be the difference between being a successful foster carer or not. Your fostering services should be knowledgeable, approachable and supportive. Speak to a few services and ask them lots of questions. There is more information about this on our <a href="https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/advice-information/could-you-foster/choosing-foster">choosing to foster page</a> and you can find contact details for a service near you on our <a href="https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/providers">find a fostering service page.</a></p> <h3>Step three: Training and assessment</h3> <p>Once you find a service you will be invited to attend their pre-approval training - The Skills to Foster<sup>TM</sup> - which takes place over four to five evenings and/or weekends, depending on the fostering service.</p> <p>The longest part of becoming a foster carer is the assessment by a social worker as to the suitability of your skills, experience and home environment for fostering, as well as an assessment of others in your household, including any children.</p> <p>This is very in-depth and will allow plenty of opportunity for reflection. This stage can take around four to five months, after which your assessor will submit a full report, including input from you, to the fostering panel.</p> <h3>Step four: Panel</h3> <p>The fostering panel is a group of people with a range of skills, knowledge and experience to help make a decision as to whether you will be a suitable foster carer. Some panel members have a professional background in child or social care, and others have direct experience with the fostering process, either through being a foster carer themselves or through being fostered in the past.</p> <p>They will consider your suitability to foster after reading through your assessment report and then asking you and the social worker questions relating to the report at an interview. After the interview the panel will make a recommendation about your approval to the fostering service.</p> <h3>Step five: Your first arrival</h3> <p>Once you have been approved as a foster carer you will be preparing for your first arrival. A child may be placed with you as soon as you are approved or it might take a while for a child to arrive. It is important that your fostering service makes sure you are the right foster carer to look after a particular child. Making a good match is essential for a successful fostering placement.</p> <p>Read our <a href="https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/blogs/n-b-lakhani/first-arrival">Before the first arrival</a> blog for tips when you’re from other foster carers.</p> <p>For more information, check out our could you foster page <a href="https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/advice-information/could-you-foster">here</a>.</p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-blog-tags--blog.html.twig * field--node--field-blog-tags.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--field-blog-tags.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1712" hreflang="en">could you foster</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1982" hreflang="en">fostering panel</a></div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="flag.link_builder:build" arguments="0=node&amp;1=11295&amp;2=favourite_content" token="PJuOGl3N9YuIY0lzBjUcMxDBkIqJyEc4aQcmT9tQRZg"></drupal-render-placeholder> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-comment--blog.html.twig * field--node--field-comment.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--field-comment.html.twig x field--comment.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/comment/templates/field--comment.html.twig' --> <section> <h2>Add new comment</h2> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderForm" arguments="0=node&amp;1=11295&amp;2=field_comment&amp;3=comment" token="bVQYz11eGjXDX--a4D0iacAM6Vzq4dJcAsbr64AHFJQ"></drupal-render-placeholder> </section> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/comment/templates/field--comment.html.twig' --> Mon, 21 May 2018 13:59:11 +0000 N B Lakhani 11295 at https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/blogs/n-b-lakhani/how-become-foster-carer#comments With such a great need for foster families, who can foster? https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/blogs/danielsinclairtfn/such-great-need-foster-families-who-can-foster <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--blog.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span>With such a great need for foster families, who can foster?</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--blog.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Daniel.Sinclairtfn</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--blog.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span>Tue, 05/15/2018 - 14:09</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/tfnetwork/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/tfnetwork/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-introduction--blog.html.twig * field--node--field-introduction.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--field-introduction.html.twig * field--text-long.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-introduction field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item">There is currently a need for at least 8,100 new fostering families in the UK over the next 12 months to ensure that every child entering foster care can live with a family which meet their needs. There is a specific need for foster carers to look after teenagers, sibling groups and children with disabilities. Without more people coming forward to foster there will be less choice for fostering services which could result in children facing considerable disruption such as being sent out of their local area to live – away from their support networks including friends, teachers and extended family.</div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--blog.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--body.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><h2><strong>The need is great, so where are these foster carers going to be found? </strong></h2> <p>Well, in reality, foster carers can, and do, come from all walks of life. From butchers, bakers and candlestick makers (we’re sure there is one out there) to ex-service personnel, company directors and computer programmers. We know from our members that they have varied interests and hobbies; they represent a range of age groups and hold a wide array of skills and experiences.</p> <p>Foster carers can be any gender or sexuality, from any culture, religion or belief system, they can be single, married or living with a partner – the list could go on. In other words, your background should not prevent you from considering fostering.</p> <p>There are only a few criteria you need to meet to be a foster carer but these criteria are absolutely essential.</p> <p>You must:</p> <ul> <li>be 18 or older (although most services will only accept people over 21)</li> <li>have a spare room</li> <li>be a full-time UK resident or have leave to remain</li> <li> <div>be able to provide a child, who is coming into care, the time, love, and support to help them thrive.</div> </li> </ul> <p>You should also consider your:</p> <ul> <li>health – it is a demanding role which you should expect to do for a good few years</li> <li>finances – do you know what fees or allowances you will receive</li> <li>support network – do you have family members and friends who can help you out both practically and emotionally</li> <li> <div>suitability – do you have previous convictions, do you have the right temperament, do you enjoy spending time looking after children and young people?<br /> &nbsp;</div> </li> </ul> <p>Some of these might seem obvious but all of these things could have a bearing on how much you will enjoy fostering and how well you will perform in the role.</p> <p><strong>Of course, fostering isn’t for everybody and not everyone has the skills to be a good foster carer – but don’t rule yourself out because of your background, age, gender and so on. Get in touch with a fostering service and ask them if they think you could foster.</strong></p> <p><iframe frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLkdFp2m6d0mhcJLYtQG4gOwiXCXKfyskx" width="560"></iframe></p> <p>Find out more about <a href="https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/advice-information/could-you-foster/who-can-foster">who can foster</a> and our take a look at our <a href="https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/advice-information/could-you-foster/frequently-asked-questions">frequently asked questions</a>.</p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-blog-tags--blog.html.twig * field--node--field-blog-tags.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--field-blog-tags.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1712" hreflang="en">could you foster</a></div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="flag.link_builder:build" arguments="0=node&amp;1=11280&amp;2=favourite_content" token="J9iFERCAQZzdChAJwvF9kO1vd0wTC1i1Iu2TOA_Cmyw"></drupal-render-placeholder> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-comment--blog.html.twig * field--node--field-comment.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--field-comment.html.twig x field--comment.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/comment/templates/field--comment.html.twig' --> <section> <h2>Add new comment</h2> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderForm" arguments="0=node&amp;1=11280&amp;2=field_comment&amp;3=comment" token="yrjZxFlzNKUVLWjHT4C1Je-7gVCx2bX0_zB6z7kwBhc"></drupal-render-placeholder> </section> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/comment/templates/field--comment.html.twig' --> Tue, 15 May 2018 14:09:24 +0000 Daniel.Sinclairtfn 11280 at https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/blogs/danielsinclairtfn/such-great-need-foster-families-who-can-foster#comments Who needs fostering? https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/blogs/danielsinclairtfn/who-needs-fostering <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--blog.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span>Who needs fostering?</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--blog.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Daniel.Sinclairtfn</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--blog.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span>Sun, 05/13/2018 - 13:52</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/tfnetwork/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/tfnetwork/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-introduction--blog.html.twig * field--node--field-introduction.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--field-introduction.html.twig * field--text-long.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-introduction field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Every 20 minutes a child comes into care in the UK in need of a foster family to look after them for as long as they need it – sometimes a few days, other times a whole childhood.</p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--blog.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--body.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>There are many reasons for children entering care such as short-term illness of a parent to exposure to abuse or neglect. Regardless of their previous experiences, it is important that these children and young people have the opportunity to live in a family that can offer them the love and stability they need to thrive and successfully transition into adulthood.</p> <p>We currently estimate that there is a need for more than 8,000 new fostering families across the UK over the next 12 months.</p> <p>More specifically, there is a requirement for foster carers who are able to look after teenagers, sibling groups and children and young people with additional needs.</p> <p>The vast majority of children and young people in care are over the age of 10, so it follows that most foster carers look after older children and teenagers.</p> <p>Groups of siblings are frequently placed separately due to few foster carers having the space required to look after more than one child, so foster carers with more than one spare room are also being sought. In many cases where siblings are kept together, fostering services have had to look outside of the children’s local area in order to find foster carers who can accommodate multiple children. Although together, this can also be detrimental to the group as it may take them away from familiar surroundings and routines, as well as their support network of friends, teachers and extended family.</p> <p>Finding foster carers with the specialist skills and experience required to look after children and young people with physical, emotional or learning needs is also crucial to ensure an easier transition into care for such children.</p> <p>The more fostering families there are in the UK the more likely children and young people are to find a match which is well suited to their needs, interests and personality.</p> <p>Find out more about <a href="https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/advice-information/could-you-foster/who-needs-fostering">who needs fostering</a> and watch our <a href="https://youtu.be/gXb0R0ORkv0">We are not Mistakes on Pages film</a>.</p> <p>If you would like to know more about becoming a foster carer then please see the <a href="https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/advice-information/could-you-foster">Could you foster?</a> section of our website.</p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-blog-tags--blog.html.twig * field--node--field-blog-tags.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--field-blog-tags.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1909" hreflang="en">who needs fostering</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1712" hreflang="en">could you foster</a></div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="flag.link_builder:build" arguments="0=node&amp;1=11274&amp;2=favourite_content" token="ZJiBhUnxDK7IB8nQds9A5nkAYY5rW37Q7-MNR3VFDPo"></drupal-render-placeholder> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-comment--blog.html.twig * field--node--field-comment.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--field-comment.html.twig x field--comment.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/comment/templates/field--comment.html.twig' --> <section> <h2>Add new comment</h2> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderForm" arguments="0=node&amp;1=11274&amp;2=field_comment&amp;3=comment" token="eZ5liLf4YRDo4IkEGV6K-g-IYTxk76sEocCj4T-6KMk"></drupal-render-placeholder> </section> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/comment/templates/field--comment.html.twig' --> Sun, 13 May 2018 13:52:08 +0000 Daniel.Sinclairtfn 11274 at https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/blogs/danielsinclairtfn/who-needs-fostering#comments Foster carer makes it into top 50 Gloucestershire women of all time https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/blogs/n-b-lakhani/foster-carer-makes-it-top-50-gloucestershire-women-all-time <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--blog.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span>Foster carer makes it into top 50 Gloucestershire women of all time</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--blog.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">N B Lakhani</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--blog.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span>Fri, 05/11/2018 - 11:59</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/tfnetwork/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/tfnetwork/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-introduction--blog.html.twig * field--node--field-introduction.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--field-introduction.html.twig * field--text-long.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-introduction field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>It's not every day your name is mentioned in the same breath as the likes of Lily Allen, Dame Jilly Cooper, and Princess Anne. Which is why respite foster carer, Vanessa Worrall, has every reason to be proud after being nominated in Citizen and Echo’s list of Gloucestershire’s 50 Greatest Women of All Time.&nbsp;</p> <p>Vanessa has made a name for herself working in the community as a youth worker and now project manager at Together In Matson for two decades. Two years ago, she brought all her experience and knowledge of working with young people to the table and became a carer with Community Foster Care. The Fostering Network catches up with Vanessa to hear what she has to say about fostering.</p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--blog.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--body.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><h3>How did you decide to be<img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/uploads/cfc_vanessa_worrall_low_res_top_50_women_2018_001.jpg" style="float:left; height:321px; margin-left:10px; margin-right:10px; width:400px" />come a foster carer?</h3> <p>I have been working with young people for 15 years, but now being a manager I have less direct contact with them. My house was empty as I had just lost my dog of 14 years so the time seemed to be right to try fostering – to open not only a new chapter in my life, but also to support young people.</p> <h3>Tell us a bit about your fostering experience – how long you’ve fostered for, who you’ve looked after and so on.</h3> <p>I have been respite fostering for about two years and have had many diverse young people come to stay. Different ages and different backgrounds, but all with the same common factor that they like to be listened to. Young people enjoy attention, warmth and having someone’s time given to them and them alone.</p> <h3>What have been some of the greatest joys and challenges for you as a foster carer?</h3> <p>Each young person brings with them their own hobbies, food preferences, and television programmes they enjoy watching, which has broadened my outlook on these things.</p> <p>Friday night playing card games and Saturday evening pick up from a party and listening to all the gossip is different from my usual weekend.</p> <p>Understanding challenging behaviour and where it all stems from can be frustrating sometimes especially when the young person has made progress but then returns to learnt behaviour. That’s what we’re there for, though, to support them.</p> <h3>How does it feel to be mentioned in the same breath as the likes of Lily Allen, Dame Jilly Cooper, and Princess Anne?</h3> <p>It was fantastic to see how many great women we have in Gloucestershire, from people like Margaret Hills who fought so hard for housing, education, and workhouse conditions to people like Jennie Watkins who fights to combat inequalities today.</p> <p>Joy Hibbins, Julie Stokes, and Jo Sutherland who support people when they are at their most vulnerable; they truly are the greatest. I was honoured to be named but I think carers, whomever they care for are real heroes.</p> <h3>What advice would you offer to somebody that wants to become a foster carer?</h3> <p>Talk to your friends and family, you are going to need their support. Do some respite care first and see how you get on before committing to be a full-time carer.&nbsp; Do all the training that is offered to you and make sure you pick a reputable foster company that is going to look after your needs as well as the young person.</p> <h3>How long do you anticipate fostering for?</h3> <p>I’m sixty soon, but I find fostering keeps my outlook young. &nbsp;Playing Playstation games, knowing who Drake is and receiving hair and make-up tips…It will all keep me going for a bit yet!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>To find out more about Vanessa's incredible achievement, check out this <a href="http://www.communityfostercare.co.uk/news-and-events/news/1745/our-vanessa-makes-it-to-the-top-50">post </a>on Community Foster Care's website, and in the meantime let's celebrate her success as a foster carer. Congratulations, Vanessa!</p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-blog-tags--blog.html.twig * field--node--field-blog-tags.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--field-blog-tags.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1678" hreflang="en">advice</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1712" hreflang="en">could you foster</a></div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="flag.link_builder:build" arguments="0=node&amp;1=11271&amp;2=favourite_content" token="txzjT4e39ZAj1hMoAtMIhv_Wx94xpKqTEl9aE849wTk"></drupal-render-placeholder> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-comment--blog.html.twig * field--node--field-comment.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--field-comment.html.twig x field--comment.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/comment/templates/field--comment.html.twig' --> <section> <h2>Add new comment</h2> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderForm" arguments="0=node&amp;1=11271&amp;2=field_comment&amp;3=comment" token="oCYTs_lGlVonYoiH9OULVP6n8iOVEAXFcgCnP-XJk2Y"></drupal-render-placeholder> </section> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/comment/templates/field--comment.html.twig' --> Fri, 11 May 2018 11:59:38 +0000 N B Lakhani 11271 at https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/blogs/n-b-lakhani/foster-carer-makes-it-top-50-gloucestershire-women-all-time#comments 12 reasons foster carers are #morethanaparent https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/blogs/danielsinclairtfn/12-reasons-foster-carers-are-morethanaparent <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--blog.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span>12 reasons foster carers are #morethanaparent</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--blog.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Daniel.Sinclairtfn</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--blog.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span>Mon, 04/09/2018 - 08:01</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/tfnetwork/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/tfnetwork/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-introduction--blog.html.twig * field--node--field-introduction.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--field-introduction.html.twig * field--text-long.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-introduction field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>It took many years for foster parents to habitually be called foster carers. At&nbsp;the Fostering Network&nbsp;we thought this a significant and positive change in language because it reflected an increased understanding of the role. The responsibility – and the complexity – of the task has grown exponentially over the four decades the network has been in existence, and the change of title was an important step in recognising this.</p> <p>But following the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/foster-care-in-england">fostering stocktake</a>&nbsp;in England, that important change appears to have been undone.&nbsp; Over the last couple of months&nbsp;the Department for Education and others appear to be using the term “foster parents” as their descriptor of choice.</p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--blog.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--body.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>We believe that, while foster carers fulfil a significant parenting role, looking after a fostered child is not the same as being a parent. It’s a much more complex, professional role and being called a foster carer is a small but significant way of recognising that.&nbsp;</p> <p>Foster carer is a job description, it explains what the role is, highlights its complexity and shows its importance. Being called a foster carer doesn’t, of course, preclude strong personal relationships (indeed they are at the very heart of being a good foster carer), fostered children being given the opportunity to be a full member of a family, or fostered children calling their carers mum and dad or aunt and uncle or Janet and Phil. Being called a foster carer and showing love and compassion are not mutually exclusive.&nbsp;You can read more about our concern about the change in title in <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/social-care-network/social-life-blog/2018/apr/06/foster-carers-more-than-parents">a blog from our chief executive Kevin Williams</a>.</p> <p>We believe that being a foster carer is being #morethanaparent. By this we mean that the complexity and breadth of the role is more than for most parents - we're not seeking to imply that foster carers are 'better' than parents.</p> <p>Below are just 12 reasons why foster carers are #morethanaparent.&nbsp;</p> <p>We would love to hear&nbsp;from foster carers about what you do in your role as a foster carer that is more than being a parent? Tweet using the hashtag #morethanaparent or email <a href="mailto:media@fostering.net?subject=%23morethanaparent">media@fostering.net</a>.</p> <ol> <li>Foster carers are experts in attachment issues and work towards restoring a fostered child’s mental health and emotional wellbeing.&nbsp;</li> <li>Foster carers undergo pre-approval training and continuing professional development to maintain and develop their skills.</li> <li>Foster carers complete life-story work to help fostered children know about their past in order to develop emotionally and socially.</li> <li>Foster carers help implement the child’s care plan which may include meeting with birth parents and others who are important to the child.&nbsp;</li> <li>Foster carers are part of the fostering service and work with other staff within guidelines, policies and procedures.</li> <li>Foster carers go through a rigorous recruitment and vetting process and have regular supervisory meetings including an annual review.</li> <li>Foster carers prepare children and young people to return to their birth parents, to move to another family or, eventually, to independent living.&nbsp;:&nbsp;</li> <li>Foster carers are experienced in play therapy, speech and language development, development of gross motor skills, sleep training and much more.</li> <li>Foster carers attend and participate in reviews, case conferences and court hearings, as well as countless other professional meetings.</li> <li>Foster carers provide accurate written records of their fostered child’s life and pass any relevant information to the most appropriate person.</li> <li>Foster carers are experts in working with children who are likely to have experienced trauma, abuse or neglect.</li> <li> <div>Foster carers are experts at looking after children who are separated from their own families, many of who have additional needs.<br /> &nbsp;</div> </li> </ol> <p><a class="button" href="mailto:media@fostering.net?subject=Why%20I%20am%20%23morethanaparent">Tell us why you are #morethanaparent</a></p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-blog-tags--blog.html.twig * field--node--field-blog-tags.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--field-blog-tags.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1712" hreflang="en">could you foster</a></div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="flag.link_builder:build" arguments="0=node&amp;1=11225&amp;2=favourite_content" token="1EW2NqK9ERRSID8T3DS-kQNcWthOYAP6S2hfF7Qntsc"></drupal-render-placeholder> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-comment--blog.html.twig * field--node--field-comment.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--field-comment.html.twig x field--comment.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/comment/templates/field--comment.html.twig' --> <section> <h2>Add new comment</h2> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderForm" arguments="0=node&amp;1=11225&amp;2=field_comment&amp;3=comment" token="N_YdHRKTz1T0jkOa2OVYj8E8VvvURtuUitch3AGpmqI"></drupal-render-placeholder> </section> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/comment/templates/field--comment.html.twig' --> Mon, 09 Apr 2018 08:01:08 +0000 Daniel.Sinclairtfn 11225 at https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/blogs/danielsinclairtfn/12-reasons-foster-carers-are-morethanaparent#comments Covering all ground – insuring your home as a foster carer https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/blogs/danielsinclairtfn/covering-all-ground-insuring-your-home-foster-carer <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--blog.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span>Covering all ground – insuring your home as a foster carer</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--blog.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Daniel.Sinclairtfn</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--blog.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span>Tue, 03/06/2018 - 12:28</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/tfnetwork/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/tfnetwork/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-introduction--blog.html.twig * field--node--field-introduction.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--field-introduction.html.twig * field--text-long.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-introduction field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item">Things can get a little tricky when it comes to home insurance for foster carers. This is especially the case when it comes to making claims, particularly for intentional damage. Having the right home insurance is vital for peace of mind.</div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--blog.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--body.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><h3><strong>Steve’s story</strong></h3> <p>‘Some years ago it became apparent that a child in placement was a fire starter. I contacted our then insurer to find out where we stood. This was because someone else I knew had had an issue with insurance in similar circumstances. I was told the insurer would be in touch.</p> <p>‘A few days later I got a response. “We are terminating your cover. You have 14 days to arrange cover with another insurer.” I called them up, “we don’t cover short-term carers, only long-term” was their answer.</p> <p>‘I pointed out that we had been with them over five years and made it clear we were foster carers at every renewal. They said they wouldn’t have paid up any claim during this time. I said I wanted all my premiums back then. They said they’d look in to it.</p> <p>‘I got on with finding an alternative company who would cover us. I found one and made sure they would indeed cover us.</p> <p>‘There are two upsides to this story. First, got five years premiums back, £2500. Second, premium was half what I’d been paying!’</p> <p>Steve had informed the insurance company that they are foster carers, but was still facing problems when it came to claiming.</p> <p>With standard home insurance, it may not be enough just to tell your insurer that you are a foster carer. Even though it may make little to no difference on your premium, and they duly note on your policy that this is your ‘occupation’, you may still not be covered for some of the things you assume you would be.</p> <p>Taking intentional damage as an example, if your insurer deems fostered children to be a part of your family, this would mean that any damage they cause intentionally or any thefts or attempted thefts would not be covered under your policy. <strong>Melanie </strong>echoes Steve’s story, saying: ‘I told my insurance company that we foster, however we weren’t covered when a young person living with us intentionally bent and snapped our new iPad Air.’</p> <p><strong>Melly </strong>has this to add: ‘We have been told by our insurers that they will happily cover us for a foster child as one of our own children, however they only cover accidental damage. When I explained what trauma can look like and that a child might break things they said that malicious or wilful damage wouldn't be covered.’</p> <h3><strong>Ask the right questions</strong></h3> <p>Your best bet is to be absolutely clear with your insurer about what’s covered and what’s not. Here are 10 very important questions to ask a potential insurer:</p> <ol> <li>I am a foster carer, do you apply any additional restrictions, reductions or exclusions to my policy?</li> <li>Do you cover my foster children’s possessions as contents of my home? Are there any non-standard restrictions, reductions or exclusions to this?</li> <li>Would you provide cover for any accidental damage caused to my buildings and contents by a foster child in my care?</li> <li><strong>Would you provide cover for any intentional or malicious damage caused by a foster child in my care? If yes, what would I be required to provide as evidence to support my claim submission?</strong></li> <li>Do you require me to let you know as and when I accept new placements or foster children leave my care? If so, what information would you need me to provide and how quickly could you confirm if cover is available?</li> <li>If a foster child has a criminal background or a background of causing damage, do I need to disclose this to you?</li> <li>Do you have a cap on how many foster children I can have in my care at any one time?</li> <li><strong>What is your claims process for dealing with foster carer home insurance claims?</strong>&nbsp;Will I need to give you a crime reference number for theft or criminal damage? (This is important as getting the crime reference number will require you reporting your fostered child, which you may not want to do).</li> <li>Do you have a team that understands my role as a foster carer? Do you understand that I will have occupation-related visitors to my home regularly, such as social workers?</li> <li> <div>Am I able to get specific foster home insurance advice at any stage during my policy period?<br /> &nbsp;</div> </li> </ol> <p>There are specialist providers of home insurance for foster carers, including our partner <a href="https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/get-involved/membership/foster-carer-membership/towergate-insurance" style="box-sizing:border-box; outline:none; transition:all 0.3s; font-variant-ligatures:normal; font-variant-caps:normal; orphans:2; text-align:start; widows:2; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px; word-spacing:0px">Towergate Insurance</a>. They have designed a policy that takes all of the above into consideration and have a dedicated team to deal with enquiries from our members. They also offer discounts and other promotions for members of The Fostering Network so, if you are a member, don’t forget to tell them.</p> <p>When it comes to home insurance, be as open as you can with the insurers – and remember getting the right home insurance is vital for having peace of mind.&nbsp;</p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-blog-tags--blog.html.twig * field--node--field-blog-tags.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--field-blog-tags.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1678" hreflang="en">advice</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1712" hreflang="en">could you foster</a></div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="flag.link_builder:build" arguments="0=node&amp;1=11196&amp;2=favourite_content" token="Se-mDkXUC4DnPhO1NVHXXl5QhgCiy3A3w54h_--9UwM"></drupal-render-placeholder> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-comment--blog.html.twig * field--node--field-comment.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--field-comment.html.twig x field--comment.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/comment/templates/field--comment.html.twig' --> <section> <h2>Add new comment</h2> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderForm" arguments="0=node&amp;1=11196&amp;2=field_comment&amp;3=comment" token="-zFeFolKh7vRuwLK6-aF9bqAhvbeTzOz1CbFWkDvD4M"></drupal-render-placeholder> </section> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/comment/templates/field--comment.html.twig' --> Tue, 06 Mar 2018 12:28:43 +0000 Daniel.Sinclairtfn 11196 at https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/blogs/danielsinclairtfn/covering-all-ground-insuring-your-home-foster-carer#comments Shades of grey https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/blogs/lucy-stevens/shades-grey <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--blog.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span>Shades of grey</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--blog.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Lucy Stevens</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--blog.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span>Tue, 01/16/2018 - 15:29</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/tfnetwork/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/tfnetwork/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-introduction--blog.html.twig * field--node--field-introduction.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--field-introduction.html.twig * field--text-long.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-introduction field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Foster carers inhabit a strange world. It is one where black and white don’t exist in isolation but bleed into one another.</p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--blog.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--body.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>The fostering landscape shifts regularly, throwing what was stable and steady into fragility, and establishing as part of the scenery that had previously not even appeared as a smudge on the horizon.</p> <p>The world of fostering is anchored by a few core truths which are universally acknowledged and yet within these truths there are myriad other truths jostling against and contradicting one another.</p> <h6><strong>The whole truth</strong></h6> <p>It’s generally accepted that the following are true for all foster carers:</p> <ol> <li>A foster carer should care for and nurture the child(ren) in their care.</li> <li>A foster carer should help children to make their voice heard.</li> <li>A foster carer should create a secure base for children to grow and heal.</li> <li>A foster carer should do all they can to keep the child safe.<br /> &nbsp;</li> </ol> <p>Navigating these truths is a bit like being caught in the Bermuda triangle; the compass needle spins furiously.</p> <p>And it all comes down to the individual child.</p> <p>If we look at the first truth, that a carer should nurture the child they are caring for. What does this look like? What if the child resists efforts to nurture them? What happens when tried and tested techniques fail? The scenery shifts and the carer is left with the compass in an outstretched palm trying to assess where to go now.</p> <h6><strong>Safe and sound?</strong></h6> <p>I was thinking about all this the other week as I grappled with the fourth truth, that a foster carer should do all they can to keep their child safe.</p> <p>It’s true that for children in foster care, there are all manner of potential threats. Sometimes carers might be keeping children safe from online threats, from bullying, from exploitation, from absconding and often from themselves. Sometimes a carer is called to protect the child from their own birth family. It was whilst thinking about this that the intricacies of these facts struck me. Because in my case I am keeping my child safe FOR the birth family. And it is a responsibility that weighs heavily.</p> <h6><strong>Family ties</strong></h6> <p>My foster son has been separated from his family. Before this separation our boy describes parents who struggled greatly but who went to extreme lengths to keep him safe. Whenever I picture his mother I see her wringing her hands. I see a woman who has taught her son to be kind, respectful and gentle. In my mind, she is the catastrophic loss that has killed something vital in our child. It is unlikely that I will ever meet this mother and yet I have heard her plea to me, relayed via the social worker in the early days when the facts were being established: ‘Please love him like your own. He is so young. He is such a good boy.’</p> <p>In our foster son’s mind, the loss of his mother is the ultimate price for his safety. The dangers he faced at home were stark, noisy, violent and very, very visible. The dangers that I need to keep him safe from here in the quiet and peaceful place he now calls home are not remotely tangible for him. How can he understand what dangers lurk here when he now enjoys a freedom he had never previously imagined? How can he see how vulnerable he is when his life is no longer centred around hiding and staying hidden, around living or dying? How can he accept that he is still at risk when he and his family have made the ultimate sacrifice for his safety?</p> <p>Our fostered son’s compass is out of kilter. He is living in a context he can’t understand. It’s a slow process for him to chart the social, political, technological and cultural landscape he finds himself in. But for me there is always the guidance of: ‘Please love him like your own.’</p> <p>And oddly, from one side of the world to the other, we work together, his mother and I. Because she has raised a son who will listen. He might not always like what he hears but he listens and he respects what he hears. It means I can provide boundaries and explain my reasoning. It means I can express to him that I have his interest at heart. He may not always understand but he knows the weight of that promise I was unable to relay back to his mother. Because I made it anyway. I will care for and nurture him. I will give him a voice. I will help him to grow and heal. I will do all I can to keep him safe from dangers he can’t see. I will get it wrong and I will get it right. I will do my best in this shifting landscape of greys.</p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-blog-tags--blog.html.twig * field--node--field-blog-tags.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--field-blog-tags.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1739" hreflang="en">UASC</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1888" hreflang="en">separation and loss</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1712" hreflang="en">could you foster</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1917" hreflang="en">Lucy Stevens</a></div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="flag.link_builder:build" arguments="0=node&amp;1=11109&amp;2=favourite_content" token="a4HolCxD_HW5rBmm0QDUUF3WWwMQOaWnIi1t1Gnt0-A"></drupal-render-placeholder> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-comment--blog.html.twig * field--node--field-comment.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--field-comment.html.twig x field--comment.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/comment/templates/field--comment.html.twig' --> <section> <h2>Add new comment</h2> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderForm" arguments="0=node&amp;1=11109&amp;2=field_comment&amp;3=comment" token="Ex6u6c0kbJKIru3FY-Mjj0FhuFPv8lP8dV-wu7CyqxI"></drupal-render-placeholder> </section> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/comment/templates/field--comment.html.twig' --> Tue, 16 Jan 2018 15:29:37 +0000 Lucy Stevens 11109 at https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/blogs/lucy-stevens/shades-grey#comments Before the first arrival https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/blogs/n-b-lakhani/first-arrival <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--blog.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span>Before the first arrival</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--blog.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">N B Lakhani</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--blog.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span>Wed, 12/06/2017 - 14:45</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/tfnetwork/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/tfnetwork/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-introduction--blog.html.twig * field--node--field-introduction.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--field-introduction.html.twig * field--text-long.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-introduction field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p><strong>Are you a newly approved foster carer and waiting for your first arrival? Here are some top tips for you from experienced carers!</strong></p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--blog.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--body.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Being approved as a foster carer can be an exciting time. It can also be quite nerve-wracking, especially as you wait in anticipation for the first child or young person to arrive at your doorstep.</p> <p>Just as with any firsts - first time at school and university, first day on the job - it is useful to have a little insight from people who have already been there.</p> <h3><strong>Be patient</strong><img alt="Image of a lady waiting in anticipation by her cell phone" src="/sites/default/files/uploads/waiting_for_new_arrival.jpg" style="float:right; height:235px; margin:10px; width:175px" /></h3> <div>Patience is certainly a virtue when it comes to waiting for your first arrival and foster carer, Daniel, has this to say: ‘When my wife and I were first approved as foster&nbsp;carers we then&nbsp;had to play the waiting game. There were several false starts where we were told that a child would be arriving the next day, but the anticipated court order was never given.<br /> &nbsp;</div> <p>‘We found this difficult as we had prepared ourselves and our birth children – as well as the fostering bedroom - for the first child arriving so actually felt pretty disappointed. It’s worth knowing that just because you get alerted that a child might be coming soon, it doesn’t mean that will actually come to fruition.’</p> <h3><strong>Be prepared</strong></h3> <p>Of course, you’ll feel the need to be well-prepared – and you do need to be - but it’s not possible to cover every eventuality when you don’t know exactly who will be coming to live with you.</p> <p>Stella, another foster carer, suggests: ‘Don't think you need to know everything. Don't be afraid to ask. Everyone wants you to succeed and will help where they can. It won't all go to plan so accept it and go with the flow.’</p> <p>Daniel says: ‘Don’t forget that your supervising social worker is there to help you and to answer any questions you might have – make use of them. And use the time before your first placement to get to know other local foster carers who will offer you very practical advice.’</p> <p>And yes, the longer you wait, it’s inevitable that more questions will run through your mind. What if this was the wrong decision? What if the young person or child and I won’t get along? What if he or she never arrives?</p> <p>The list of ‘what ifs’ is endless, and Simone’s advice is: ‘Don't over think it! No matter how many hours you spend thinking about the “what ifs”, there will always be something you haven't thought of. Go with the flow and enjoy having a child in your life! After eight years of fostering I am still learning from our children.’</p> <h3><strong>Be picky</strong></h3> <p>And finally, something that every foster carer, new or experienced, thinks about: when to say yes and when to say no to a particular child coming to live with you.</p> <p>Alyson encourages all prospective foster carers to ‘stand your ground’ as sometimes there ‘can be a hard placement for both you and the children.’</p> <p>Gemma says: ‘It's ok to say “no” to a placement, it's better to know your boundaries. However, it's also important to listen to your gut about when to say “yes.”’</p> <p>If you are waiting for your first placement it can be a difficult time but, as Alyson puts it, there’s plenty to be looking forward to: ‘Take everything in your stride. There will be highs and lows but no two days will be the same after 10 years I still love what I do even though at times it’s tough. A good sense of humour always helps!’</p> <p>Good luck with your first arrival and thank you for choosing to foster.</p> <p>While waiting for your first placement, you might like to read this other blog piece about <a href="https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/blogs/danielsinclairtfn/welcoming-new-child-your-home">welcoming new arrivals</a>. For more information on new arrivals, visit this <a href="https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/advice-information/looking-after-fostered-child/saying-hello-new-arrivals">page</a>.</p> <p>You should also check with your fostering service&nbsp; that you are a member of The Fostering Network.&nbsp; Find out more about membership <a href="https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/get-involved/membership">here</a>.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-blog-tags--blog.html.twig * field--node--field-blog-tags.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--field-blog-tags.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1885" hreflang="en">Hellos and goodbyes</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1678" hreflang="en">advice</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1712" hreflang="en">could you foster</a></div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="flag.link_builder:build" arguments="0=node&amp;1=11069&amp;2=favourite_content" token="JRCezH3e0B6ICsnO3nZOeg2IN8pe1NHWMRB2gppF25c"></drupal-render-placeholder> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-comment--blog.html.twig * field--node--field-comment.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--field-comment.html.twig x field--comment.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/comment/templates/field--comment.html.twig' --> <section> <h2>Add new comment</h2> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderForm" arguments="0=node&amp;1=11069&amp;2=field_comment&amp;3=comment" token="ZF_sNyYc_YV3d8V6w-cXOTk1WZk2LmaHHtwrgjMDh-Q"></drupal-render-placeholder> </section> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/comment/templates/field--comment.html.twig' --> Wed, 06 Dec 2017 14:45:32 +0000 N B Lakhani 11069 at https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/blogs/n-b-lakhani/first-arrival#comments