 Welcome to our October edition of Fostering News! This month we will be bringing you news about Sons and Daughters Month, information about the You Know Your Mind fund, and reflections on the Foster Carer and Staff Conference that we have recently had, amongst other things.
Each October, the Fostering Network raises awareness of the important role children of foster carers play in a fostering household, highlighting how much they do for children and young people in care and how vital they are to successful fostering.
We are sad that, due to the pandemic, we are once again unable to have the fun face-to-face event that we would like to have, but we will still be acknowledging the contribution of our children who foster with a certificate and a Love 2 Shop voucher, so keep an eye on the post box later in the month
If you would like to find out more about the Fostering Network’s campaign this year check out their website; we particularly like the sound bites and video clips
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You Know Your Mind funding is available for looked after children for 2021/2022. For this, a conversation needs to be held by the child’s social worker with the child to see what they think could help their emotional health.
Some things that the fund has supported to date are horse-riding, a camera, a bike, swimming, gym membership, music equipment or lessons, and other emotionally regulating activities.
From April, the agreed allocation per child has been increased from £300 to £500, so those who had had some money since April 2021 could apply for a top up.
Please speak to the child’s social worker if you want to know more.
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This time last month, we were looking forward to our Foster Carer and Staff Conference which we have now had. We hope that those of you who managed to join us found it valuable and enjoyed the day.
If you can think of speakers you would like to hear in the future, or have any other suggestions, please do let us know on your feedback form and we will see what we can do.
In the meantime, find resources below that were shared on the day:
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Do you know any adventurous young people aged 13-19 who would like to take part in an overnight orienteering event organised by Notts Outdoors and the Nottinghamshire Youth Service? Or perhaps you are adventurous yourself and would like to volunteer?
This is the 47th year that this event has taken place. The aim of the event is to promote teamwork, resilience and problem solving by completing challenges. It takes place in Sherwood Forest, 9 - 10 October 2021.
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It is important to check the training platform My Learning, My Career regularly, as new dates for training events outlined on your Fostering Development Plan are being continually being added.
There are also training opportunities available via the Nottinghamshire Safeguarding Children Partnership. Follow the training pathway relevant to your length of fostering approval, as access to some events have a requirement for having completed an event prior to booking certain levels of training. Take a look at the training options here and book via My Learning, My Career.
Our Top Tip – Using the words Foster Care in the search bar can help when you are searching for relevant training on My Learning My Career.
If you find an event is full, please add your name to the waitlist and you will be contacted if a space becomes available.
Remember to discuss your training requirements or any difficulties in access with your Supervising Social Worker in your supervision as this can inform the commissioning discussions and lead to new events being researched and offered to our foster carer community.
Foster Carers - Assisting & Moving Introduction 1 Day (learningpool.com)
Two new dates have been added: 2 March 2022 and 14 March 2022, 10am - 2.30pm at The Tangent Business Hub, Shirebrook
This is for all mainstream carers who have not attended an assisting and moving course before, or have not completed this/the refresher course within the last 18 months.
Foster Carers Reporting and Recording, Allegations and Concerns (learningpool.com)
A new date has been added: 24 February 2022, 10am - 1pm, via Zoom
This seminar has been devised to enable Foster Carers to fully understand their responsibilities and duty in recording and reporting, in accordance with Nottinghamshire County Council recording policy.
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Please join us at the next FLAG Meeting; it’s your opportunity to have your say and help shape the Fostering Service.
Use the link below to join us on Monday 4 October, 7pm - 8.30pm.
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We are currently offering a £250 payment to any of our foster carers who successfully refer a family member or friend to the recruitment team if they then go on to be approved at panel.
You can either send us their contact details and we will be happy to get in touch or you can signpost them to us. Please see the bottom of this email for our contact details.
The next recruitment events will be via Microsoft teams on the following days:
We will also be hosting some in person events in October and November, so anyone interested in fostering can join us:
- 5th October, 3.30pm - 5.30pm at Mansfield Library
- 11th November, 10am -12pm at Worksop Library
Please feel free to share these events with anyone who may be interested.
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Look out for this year’s Foster Carer Survey coming to a computer near you soon. This is your chance to tell us what you think and get involved in shaping the future of the Fostering Service so get ready to play your part.
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