Foster Families

in loco parentis, "in the place of a parent”

Many children each day go into care for many reasons, the experience of being taken into care needs to be carefully thought through, moving into a new Foster Family can be a hugely traumatic experience; one that a Looked-after Child will always remember.

When a child moves from a Residential Children’s home or Foster Family and is placed into a new Foster Family, this change in environment can bring about or cause some behavioural difficulties during the ‘settling in phase’ Stabilising this behaviour can be as simple as setting clear routine’s and boundaries.

It is paramount that the Young Person is supported and helped to feel calm within the new home and can trust the family to care for them. Providing for them stability with a sense of normality. some of which have never had a positive Family experience.

In order to achieve minimal disruptions within each placement several meetings are held to undertake ‘Integrated Care Plans', covering Health, Education, Social Care’ Clinical input where required.

These meetings are held in partnership with the

• Local Authority
• Clinicians
• Educationist
• Health Practitioners
• Foster Carers
• Five Rivers Social Workers

This is some of what we mean when we define 'Intergrated Children's Services' our teams both internal and external all working together as a team to ensure positive outcomes are achieved in the long-term

To support the transition of Foster Placements additional help is given by the Five Rivers Social Worker and Family Support Workers who are available 24/7 to work with each Foster Family supporting each stage of the agreed Care Plan.

As a Five Rivers Foster Carer you will be assigned a qualified experienced Fostering Social Worker who will meet with you every two weeks sometimes more – above all the Social Worker will be there when you need help support and guidance. You will work together to develop your skills and experience as a Five Rivers Foster Carer.

Fostering is regarded as a profession by many as it does require a high level of 'Emotional Intelligence' to help and work with these children every day.

Five Rivers has recently launched a Foundation Degree in Child Centred Therapeutic Practice of which Foster Carers have access to. This is an accredited Degree which is the first of its kind giving Foster Carers the opportunity to study at an Undergraduate level.( This can also lead to a BA in Child Care the skys the limit!)

We have developed this degree to harness our joint therapeutic knowledge, over the years we have come to recognise that Therapeutic Knowledge and Training are key factors when helping Foster Carers sustain some of the most challenging placements in the county.

Being a Foster Carer is a rewarding experience for any adult wishing to go into Fostering. Many characteristics are needed and lots of demanding work is needed to be put in to do the task well.      

At times it will be tough many people just aren’t able to provide consistent care but for those who are able are truly amazing people who are bring about transformation for Looked-after Children and Young People. 

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