At The Foster Care Co-operative (FCC) we remain committed in supporting our children, current foster carers and anyone who may be interested in fostering in the future. This means that despite the current lockdown measures, FCC’s wealth of knowledge and experience is still here for you! We moved to working from home for all staff members to prevent spreading the COVID-19 virus. Despite recent lockdown easing announced by our Prime Minister, we are continuing to work from home at the current time. However, you can continue to reach us as normal on our central office telephone numbers and 24hr support remains in place at all times. Now, more than ever in these uncertain times, we need your help. Children are in desperate need of care. You could make a real difference to a child’s life. New foster carer enquires and applications, are very welcome and the following steps are in place:
Additionally, as applications can take between six and eight months, now is a great time to apply. Why not make a no-obligation enquiry HERE to see if you qualify? Source: www.fostercarecooperative.co.uk At Team Fostering, we recruit and train foster carers that are able to look after a range of children and young people, including young people who have recently had their own children. This is a specialist type of fostering referred to across the industry as 'Parent and Child Fostering,' the aim of which is to provide support and guidance not only to the infant but also the parent, usually the mother. The aim is that the parent may eventually provide independent care for their child. Parent and Child Fostering is an alternative to referring young parents to live in residential units and it helps to provide the support needed at the early stages of their relationship, a very crucial time for bonding. Without this support, such relationships can often break down and this could lead to the separation of the child from the parent. The Benefits of Parent and Child Fostering Fostering a parent and child is not an easy task, but the rewards are huge and we have many foster carers at Team Fostering with specialist training for the role. Foster carers can help the development of a bond between parent and child, giving both a brighter future, and to see an attachment grow first-hand has been described by our foster carers as nothing short of amazing. Throughout Parent and Child Fostering, carers offer support that provides young parents with insight into the lifelong parenting skills required for looking after a child independently. This is done in a stable environment that helps keep focus on the child, with access to valuable resources that may not have been available without the fostering setup. In turn, the child of the young person benefits from extra support received by all, providing them with the best start in life. As Team Fostering consider Parent and Child Fostering to be a specialist role we provide a slightly different support package for those who offer this. A higher level of one-to-one support and training will be provided to any foster carers that look after a parent and child, and higher foster carer fees are paid in comparison to some other types of fostering. Team Fostering is an independent, not-for-profit fostering agency operating across the North East, Yorkshire and East Midlands. We have strong, ethical values and behaviours and continually look to welcome new foster carers to the team. Read our eligibility criteria by clicking here. If you're interested in learning more about fostering, you can get in touch in one of the following ways: call us on 0800 292 2003 send an online enquiry by clicking here email us via info@teamfostering.co.uk Our offices are in North Tyneside, Middlesbrough, Leeds, Sheffield and South Normanton. Source: www.teamfostering.co.uk On 24 June, the Independent Care Review (ICR) published an evidence framework, comprising of research and evidence collated and analysed throughout the review’s three years of work as it undertook a root and branch review of the care system in Scotland. Between 2017 and 2020, the Care Review heard the experiences over 5,500 care experienced infants, children, young people, adults and members of the paid and unpaid workforce had of Scotland’s ‘care system’, and their vision for what needed to change. Their voice was the cornerstone of everything the Care Review did, providing the direction and benchmark for the research, data and evidence the review sought to gather, commission and scrutinise. The framework explains the participation and engagement undertaken and the outputs of the Care Review’s commissioning processes. The review’s work also drew on an extensive body of research from academics and researchers nationally and internationally, across all sectors, so the framework also lists a comprehensive bibliography of sources consulted. This framework is intended to help navigate the vast amount of research engaged with and undertaken, and to signpost to relevant reports, documents, websites and organisations, to facilitate a more in depth look at a range of issues which were highlighted during the different stages of the Care Review. The Review formally closes its doors on 30 June 2020, and from 1 July it will be superseded by The Promise, a new oversight body responsible for making sure that Scotland implements change for the care system. The Promise will be chaired by Fiona Duncan, who also led the Care Review. It will initially be incubated within the Scottish Government but, like the Care Review, will operate independently. Over the next few months, The Promise will appoint a team to support the change programme and recruit an oversight body. At least half the members of this new body will be people with lived experience of Scotland’s care system. To be kept up-to-date with The Promise, follow @ThePromiseScot on Twitter or the new website which is being developed at www.thepromise.scot Source:
www.celcis.org At FCC, we have always prided ourselves on being diverse and inclusive, where all our members are treated fairly and equally – regardless of ethnicity, religious belief, gender or sexual preference. Our article, entitled Fostering Diversity and Inclusion, details why we need diverse foster carers to come forward to care for vulnerable children. We’re also undertaking racism, discrimination and intolerance training on an agency-wide scale. This means that all staff, foster carers, panel members and board members will complete this training – which has a specific focus on young people within the care system, and the effects that any kind of discrimination can have on them. Many of our members work directly with children, so would already be equipped with the skills and experience to identify, manage, and take the appropriate actions if confronted with any racism, discrimination and intolerance. However, at FCC we felt it was important for all our members to undergo this training. Source www.fostercarecooperative.co.uk Industry News: Number of children needing foster care soars during pandemic, says Barnardo's23/6/2020
The number of children needing foster care has risen by 44% during the coronavirus pandemic, creating a “state of emergency”, a children’s charity said. Meanwhile, the number of people looking to become foster carers has fallen by almost half over the same period, Barnardo’s added. There were 2,349 referrals to the charity‘s fostering services between 1 March and 23 April this year in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, up from 1,629 in the same period in 2019. And just 161 people inquired about becoming a foster carer during the two months, down 47% from 302 across the same period in 2019. The charity says vulnerable children who may have experienced neglect or abuse are in a state of emergency as they wait to be placed with foster families. The Barnardo’s chief executive, Javed Khan, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has hit vulnerable families the hardest, with many reaching crisis point. This has created a state of emergency, as more children than ever need a safe and loving foster family, while fewer adults are coming forward as potential foster carers.” The charity says the Covid-19 outbreak has increased pressures on families who are experiencing job losses, deepening poverty and worsening mental health. Children have also been in lockdown in homes where domestic and sexual abuse is taking place. At the same time, the number of inquiries from people hoping to foster have dropped, with many people’s situations affected by the virus, and amid an uncertain future. Khan said: “Today, there are hundreds of children who have been referred to Barnardo’s and are waiting to be placed with a foster family. If you’re over 21, have a spare room and the time and commitment to support a child in need, please do consider getting in touch today.” The charity is appealing for adults, including single people, people identifying as LGBTQ and those from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, to get in touch if they can help. Foster carers will be supported by the charity with training and a dedicated social worker, and will receive financial support. A Department for Education spokesman said: “Foster carers make a lifelong difference to the lives of the vulnerable children when they need it most. We encourage more people to come forward, both now and in the future, so there are enough foster carers available at the right time and in the right place to provide safe, loving homes for these children. “We have published guidance online for anyone interested in becoming a foster parent. During the pandemic we have also made it easier for councils and fostering agencies to identify potential placements, and to assess and approve new foster carers, so that children get the support they deserve without delay.” Source: www.theguardian.com The number of children needing foster care has risen by 44% during the coronavirus pandemic while the number of people looking to become foster parents plummeted by nearly half compared to the same period last year, according to the UK’s leading children’s charity. From March 1st - April 23rd 2020, there were 2,349 referrals to Barnardo’s fostering services in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, a figure which shot up from 1,629 for the same period in 2019. Meanwhile the number of enquiries from people looking to become foster parents for the charity fell from 302 to 161 - a dramatic 47% drop. Barnardo’s says this has created a ‘state of emergency’ as children who may have experienced abuse and neglect wait for places with loving foster families. Without more potential foster carers coming forward, hundreds of children referred to Barnardo’s will not be placed with a family. The UK’s leading children’s charity believes that the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown has increased pressure on vulnerable families, with job losses, deepening poverty and worsening mental health all leading to family breakdown. Children have also been in lockdown in homes where domestic abuse and sexual abuse are taking place. These pressures will likely impact more families as the crisis continues. At the same time Barnardo’s believes that the change in circumstances experienced by many because of COVID-19 and uncertainty about the future has resulted in a drop in enquiries being made to the charity from people looking to foster. Barnardo’s is calling on people over 21, who have a spare room and the time and commitment to support a child to get in touch and consider fostering a child. Barnardo’s welcomes foster carers from all walks of life, including single people, those from the LGBTQ+ community and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds. The charity also wants to make it clear that foster carers will be supported every step of the way by Barnardo’s, and will also be eligible for financial support including carers’ allowance. To find out more about fostering with Barnardo’s, go to https://www.barnardos.org.uk/foster or call 07712402312 or 0800 0277 280. Barnardo’s Chief Executive Javed Khan said: “The Coronavirus pandemic has hit vulnerable families the hardest, with many reaching crisis point. This has created a state of emergency, as more children than ever need a safe and loving foster family, while fewer adults are coming forward as potential foster carers. “Barnardo’s has over 100 years’ experience bringing vulnerable children together with loving foster families, who provide the vital love and support children need to thrive. If you become a foster carer with Barnardo’s we will support you every step of the way with training and a dedicated social worker. You’ll also receive financial support, including a carer’s allowance. “Today, there are hundreds of children who have been referred to Barnardo’s and are waiting to be placed with a foster family. If you’re over 21, have a spare room and the time and commitment to support a child in need, please do consider getting in touch today.” ENDS Case study Nichol Garcia is 50 and has been a full-time foster carer for the past nine years. She lives in Nottingham with her teenage son and three foster children. Nichol says: “I felt I had space in my heart and life for more children, and after talking to my family and most importantly, my son, I got in touch with Barnardo’s and have not regretted it since. I’ve done so many different things in my life, but foster caring is by far the best thing I’ve ever done.” Over the past nine years, Nichol and her son have fostered 11 young people, mainly teenagers but also younger children, most of whom have stayed with them for long periods of time. “I was worried I would feel upset when the children left, as I invest so much into each child, but we keep in touch with all of them as they are a part of our family now and we sometimes meet up too. I am a part of their history and they are a part of mine.” Nichol acknowledges that fostering has its share of challenges too. She says: “Sometimes children may have had difficult experiences and need additional support such as therapy to help them make sense of what they’ve been through, and it’s important for foster carers to support them with this. I really fight for all of my foster children and young people to get them what they deserve.” Nichol believes that the constant support and ongoing training offered by Barnardo’s has enabled her to deal with any difficult periods. “My social worker from Barnardo’s is like a professional friend,” Nichol says. “I meet with her regularly, but if I ever need any advice or support, day or night, there is always someone there to give me everything I need. There is always lots of different training on offer too, and I go on several courses each year. “Before you are approved to foster, Barnardo’s does some really intense training to ensure potential foster carers are fully aware of what they may experience. They don’t just have the child’s best interests at heart, but also the foster carer’s too.” Nichol’s advice to anyone who is considering fostering is this: “If you go into foster caring for the wrong reasons, you won’t last long. It’s not always easy, but it is the most rewarding thing you can ever do. For those who already have their own children and may be worried about whether fostering is the right decision for them, in my experience, by keeping my child involved every step of the way, he loves it just as much as I do and we wouldn’t have it any other way now. “Some of my favourite times are when we all sit outside together chatting around the log burner and I feel really lucky to have them all and love seeing them so happy.” Notes to Editors Data shows the number of fostering referrals and enquiries to Barnardo’s from people looking to become foster carers from March 1 - April 23 in 2019 and 2020 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland only. About Barnardo’s Last year around 300,000 children, young people, parents and carers were supported by Barnardo’s through more than 1,000 services across the UK, such as young carers, care leavers, foster carers and adoptive parents, training and skills or parenting classes. We work to change the lives of vulnerable children in the UK and every year we help thousands of families to build a better future. But we cannot do it without you. Source: www.barnardos.org.uk Location: Liverpool Transition, Preparation & Moving On Service (L12) Contract type: Permanent Hours: 37 (7 day rota) Salary : £26,966 - £37,414 Closing Date: 5 July 2020 Interview Date: w/c 13 July 2020 Do you want to be part of a brand new innovative residential support service for young people in Liverpool?
Can you achieve transformational change for looked after young people who have a range of complex needs? If you're passionate about the children in your care and can show understanding, tenacity and consistency of care – this may be the opportunity for you! History of Service Barnardo's Transition, Preparation and Moving-On Service is a new service commissioned by Liverpool City Council to deliver residential support services in line with statutory requirements within a therapeutic approach. The service consists of two homes with 4 and 5 beds respectively. Objectives of Service The aim of the service is to provide a nurturing environment within two high quality homes. The homes will meet the needs of children and young people who have experienced trauma, neglect, rejection and whose basic needs have not been met. The homes will provide a truly therapeutic environment that can meet the needs of young people who require support to manage their behaviours safely, develop their resilience and prepare them for the demands of future life with their own families or in other settings. This role is based in Barnardo's Merseyside locality, initially at Liverpool and an On Call Allowance is payable. This role is an ideal opportunity for an experienced Children's Home Deputy Manager looking for career progression. Previous applicants need not apply. When completing your application please refer to your skills knowledge and experience in relation to the Person Specification, Job Description and Additional Information document. This should be done with an understanding of the context of the service described. About Barnardo's At Barnardo's we believe in children – no matter who they are, what they have done or what they have been through. Please read about our basis and values following the link below. You will be asked questions relating to them as part of the recruitment process for this role. Barnardo's is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce for staff and volunteers. We actively encourage applications from disabled, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic and male candidates as they are under-represented within Barnardo's. Our basis and values Click here for full details and application documents This was the warning Action for Children and the Early Intervention Foundation[1] (EIF) were given by a headteacher, while carrying out research for our new report. With coronavirus impacting almost all areas of life, we wanted to learn how the virus had affected early help[2] services. These include children’s centres, parenting support and early mental health support. We also wanted to understand the concerns of practitioners involved in delivering it. To do this, we carried out 28 interviews with heads of early help services, lead practitioners, and headteachers across England. Key Findings
Action for Children’s Recommendations We are calling on the government to urgently respond to the crisis, and prioritise support that helps children early. The government must:
Local authorities and their partners:
With so many children likely to need support as the country recovers from coronavirus, it is important that their needs are not forgotten. The government must act to ensure that vulnerable children can get the right support early, before problems have the chance spiral out of control. [1] EIF is an independent charity established in 2013 to champion and support the use of effective early intervention to improve the lives of children and young people at risk of experiencing poor outcomes. [2] Early help refers to support for children who do not meet the threshold to receive statutory help, i.e. they are not a child in need or at risk of harm. Support is delivered by a range of organisations and could include family or parenting programmes, and help for families affected by substance misuse problems and domestic abuse. You can read the full report to find out more Source: www.actionforchildren.org.uk/ The House of Commons Library has updated their briefing in response to some key questions regarding the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on separated families, maintenance arrangements and access to children in the UK. The briefing addresses: whether children can move between the homes of separated parents; how parents should comply with a court-orders for contact; whether children can be visited in care/residential homes; alternatives to closed child contact centres; and where help and advice can be found. Further details are available here Source: www.fostertalk.org Location: Norfolk Salary: £20,500-£21,525 Contract Type: Permanent / Full Time Closing Date: Friday 26 June 2020 Transition Worker – Supporting Young People Leaving Care
In this busy role, no two days will be the same as you support Young People to live independently in the community. As a Transition Worker for Break Charity – Staying Connected Service, you’ll work with numerous agencies to help make a difference to the lives of young care leavers in the community. Working both within the Young Persons home and in a variety of other settings, you’ll develop personal, flexible and realistic support packages based on people’s individual circumstances. Ultimately, this role is all about helping young people to realise their full potential, so you’ll develop strength-based plans, complete risk assessments and identify opportunities for them to get involved in their communities. That means you’ll also build relationships with the Young People. Delivering support to all young people to make a positive transition into adulthood, improve young people’s chances to progress successfully through education to employment, helping them to acquire the skills to live independently, whilst supporting them to make positive, informed choices about their lives This position will be based in Norwich but will involve regular travel across various locations within Norfolk. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic, creative and motivated with a professional, caring and calm approach. You will need to be able to demonstrate commitment, flexibility and imagination. You will also need to be creative in problem solving and be able to work well using your own initiative and within a team. If you are interested in enriching the lives of the people we support, especially those who are living within the Norfolk area, please take a look at the Essential Job Information and apply. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive and supportive employer and recognise that working with young people, although incredibly rewarding, is not without its challenges. Therefore, we want you to feel appreciated for the life changing work you are doing. You will receive comprehensive training, company pension scheme, have excellent career progression opportunities, and be working in a warm and welcoming work environment – amongst many other things. Essential Information Salary: The current salary scale for this post is £20,500 - £21,525 per annum, depending on qualifications. (The maximum job rate potential is £22,550 which is performance related). At appointment: The actual salary will be £20,500. Hours: 38 hours per week Closing Date: 26th June 2020 Interviews: The first interview which will be a Safe Care/ Warner style interview, will be held on 6th July 2020. If successful after the first interview, candidates will then be expected to attend a second formal interview also scheduled to take place on 9th July 2020. We anticipate that each interview should last around 60 minutes and we aim to leave a 30 minute break in between each interview. To comply with the Immigration Asylum & Nationality Act 2006 and additional amendments, and UK Border Agency (UKBA) requirements, all prospective employees will be asked to supply evidence of eligibility to work in the UK. We will ask to see and take a copy of an appropriate official document as set out in the UKBA guidelines. Do not send anything now, further information will be sent to you should you be invited to interview. We are committed to equality of opportunity. Your current immigration status will not be taken into account when assessing your application against the selection criteria for the post For more information on this job opportunity, please initially email or call the HR Team via the contact details found on our website. Click here for full details and to apply |
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