Re-framing the situation
I am very grateful for all the training and learning opportunities that Foster Caring provides as it creates a better me, and a better me simply means more coping mechanisms to enable me to help the children in my care.
I remember the very first training session I attended, one sentence has stuck with me every since - It’s important to remember that a child’s behaviour is not a reflection of their character or worth. Instead, it’s often a cry for help! This was an eye opening moment for me as it explained so much with few words.
The ability to re-frame a situation is not an easy skill, it takes practice - and we all make mistakes! I still do, its important to recognise those mistakes and if appropriate, talk to your child about the mistake. These are incredibly useful learning opportunities for them (and you) that will stay with them for life.
Recruitment VS Retention
Just recently, Local Authorities got together to create an new recruitment video - you can watch it HERE if you have not done so already.
What a lovely video, don’t you think? Personally, I do like the video creation, however it is not really reality for most carers….
Why are local authorities constantly recruiting new Foster Carers?
It is not a hard one to answer - quite simply the mistreatment of foster carers is normalised as is failing to retain foster carers. Do not get me wrong, not all local authorities are guilty of treating Foster Carers poorly. We have been very lucky with Warwickshire and the team that we have in place. However, it is often the odd one staff member who fails to understand the role of the Foster Carer and how important it is in the ongoing development of the children in their care. Foster Carers are at the forefront of that child’s day to day life, they understand their children, nurture them and are attuned to their emotional needs - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year! Breathe……
As you might of realised, I am passionate about Fostering and believe that getting the balance right (Recruitment / Retention) means a better quality of life for the Children in our care. Why are we not striving for that?
This lack of focus on retention by the Government is costing more than money, it is having a direct impact on the Children within the care system. Jane Collins, chief executive officer of membership organisation Foster Support, said: "As they fail to retain foster carers, financially [local authorities] waste an incredible amount of money, but in addition they lose all that experience and training."
The Children's Commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza, said she was frustrated support for kinship carers and foster carers was not a greater priority for the government.
"The King's Speech was a missed opportunity. I want to see all political parties stepping up to support these children, our children, and the absolute heroes - kinship carers, foster carers, who want to take these children into their home."
Finally…
Thank you for sticking with me on this one, I know, it was a bit of a rant. I will not apologise for how passionate I am about my Role and the way we are treated, but I will say sorry for rambling on.
Read more about this on the BBC - HERE
If you are a Foster Carer, hit the subscribe button below (it’s free!) but more importantly head over to Foster Support and join NOW. Like a car insurance, you are only protected if you’ve paid! (Memberships start at £6 per month for SGO/Adopters, £10 for a single foster carer or £12 per month covers all adults in the same fostering household)