The Fostering Support Team
The Fostering Support Team is an integral part of the whole fostering package to support foster placements in order to alleviate pressure from foster carers.
The team works directly and indirectly with young people who present challenges for their carers and especially where there is a high risk of placement breakdown.
There are 4 workers within the team with diversity of skills in working with emotionally unstable and vulnerable young people. The team becomes involved following referrals from either the carer/s’ supervising social worker or the child’s social worker. Once a referral has been accepted, the allocated worker will work intensively with the young person with view to addressing the presenting difficulties as agreed with the referrer. Our involvement is time limited, but can be extended depending on individual circumstances.
Workers can address issues such as anger management, raising self esteem, managing risky behaviours; relationship building and steering vulnerable girls away from sexual exploitation (self-protection work).The team have experience of intervention in trans-racial placements and work closely with the in-house psychologist to gain an insight into some very challenging behaviours presented by young people. The psychologist can provide valuable advice on such issues as attachment and past abuse and hence promote a better understanding of the causes of behaviour.
Recreational Activities
Indirect work involves providing recreational (diversionary activities) opportunities for young people such as fishing and music.
Fishing programmes
Run for girls and boys during the main school holidays such as Easter and summer. They are run by 2 qualified coaches. The fishing club is very successful and has a proven positive impact on the stability of placements. The children and young people enjoy the experience and are presented at the end of the summer with certificates and trophies.
The Pet Project
Run by a foster carer and is supported by a member of the Fostering Support Team. There are a variety of pets for the children and young people to and enjoy with their carers such as owls, parrots, ferrets, guinea pigs and chipmunks! This is a great project where children and young people can interact with pets teaching them many skills.
The Music Room
Run by an independent committee made up of foster carers and supported by the Fostering Support Team. Sessions are held mid-week and at the weekend. It is an extremely popular activity that has been recognised in having success in helping young people develop academically, socially and as individuals. It promotes many skills and learning techniques.
All of the skills the children and young people develop through these projects can be carried over into other pursuits, studying and later into their working life.
For more information call the Fostering Support Team on 01274 437343
