At FCA Yorks and Lincs, we know that starting your fostering journey is both exciting and full of new experiences. That’s why we’re committed to making sure every foster parent feels informed, supported, and connected from the very beginning.
On 2 June, we were delighted to welcome 14 newly approved foster parents to our Sheffield regional hub for a special induction and networking day. The event gave foster parents the opportunity to meet members of our dedicated team, learn more about the support available to them, and connect with others who are at a similar stage in their fostering journey.
Getting to Know the Team Behind the Support
Fostering is never something you do alone. Throughout the day, foster parents met colleagues from across FCA Yorks and Lincs who play an important role in supporting foster families and helping children thrive.
Attendees learned more about the different services available, including our Therapy Service, Carer Buddy programme, training opportunities, and the wider support network that sits behind every fostering household.
One of the key areas discussed was our Carer Buddy programme. Every new foster parent is allocated an experienced foster parent buddy who understands exactly what it feels like to be starting out. Having someone who has already been in your shoes can make a real difference, offering practical advice, encouragement, and a listening ear whenever it’s needed.
Foster parents also heard about the support provided by their dedicated supervising social worker. By building a strong working relationship through regular visits and monthly supervision meetings, supervising social workers help foster parents access training, develop their skills, and feel confident in their role.
Learning About the Tools and Resources Available
The session included demonstrations of the CHARMS recording system and The Exchange platform, alongside information about Learnative, our training platform. These systems are designed to help foster parents access information, record important updates, and continue developing their knowledge throughout their fostering journey.
Our training offer was another important topic of discussion. We provide a wide range of accessible and relevant learning opportunities, including specialist training programmes and annual conferences that help foster parents build their confidence and expertise.
Making Connections with Fellow Foster Parents
One of the highlights of the day was the opportunity for foster parents to meet and talk with one another.
Many attendees had already welcomed children into their homes or were preparing for placements. This allowed them to share their experiences of the matching process and discuss the support they had received so far. These conversations helped create new connections and provided reassurance that others are navigating similar experiences.
Building relationships with fellow foster parents can be an invaluable source of support, understanding, and encouragement throughout the fostering journey.
A Shared Commitment to Making a Difference
For our staff team, the day was a wonderful opportunity to share their passion for supporting foster parents and children. Every role within FCA Yorks and Lincs contributes to creating positive outcomes for children and young people, and it was inspiring to see that shared commitment reflected throughout the event.
One foster parent commented:
“It was nice to speak with other new foster parents and learn about the different staff roles. Staff gave us an in depth briefing on what they did which was very informative.”
We would like to thank everyone who attended and helped make the day such a success. We look forward to supporting all of our newly approved foster parents as they continue their fostering journey and make a lasting difference in the lives of children and young people across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.
If you’d like to find out more about fostering with FCA, please get in touch with our friendly team today.
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