Neurodiversity Celebration Week
Did you know that next week is Neurodiversity Celebration Week (18th – 24th of March 2024)? It’s a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. Next week there are a whole host of training events taking place covering a variety of different subjects to do with Neurodiversity. There are some really inspiring speakers from a range […]
Understanding Behaviours
Every child and young person can present with a behaviour which is hard to understand, manage and change. This article will look at some common factors that have an impact on behaviour. However, each child is unique, so don’t make assumptions or jump to conclusions. Think carefully about the specific child and consider whether any […]
500 children a day referred to mental health services: what it means for foster carers
The Guardian has published a news story on the number of children referred to NHS mental health services for anxiety in England since the Coronavirus pandemic. Their investigation explored referrals where the primary cause was anxiety. More than 500 children a day in England are being referred to NHS mental health services for anxiety, more than double the rate […]
Instagram boosts privacy and parental control on teen accounts
It may be useful to alert Foster Carers to this, and/or to open up /have a discussion with young people directly. Instagram is overhauling the way it works for teenagers, promising more “built-in protections” for young people and added controls and reassurance for parents. The new “teen accounts” were introduced in the UK 17/9/24. They turn […]
The Child Who Mistook a Smile for a Threat: Body-Informed Practice in the Workplace
Introduction: Why Somatic Awareness Matters Have you ever walked into a room and instantly felt tense, even though nothing seemed wrong? Or snapped at a colleague without realising you were carrying stress from an earlier situation? This isn’t just about mood—it’s about how our bodies process and hold on to experiences. Dr. Sorcha Mathews’ engaging session, “The […]
Recognise the stress of fostering
The end of the year is a time of reflection, so praise yourself for the difference you have made to children’s lives, this year. Opening your hearts and homes to children and young people can impact on you both personally and professionally. Often, without you being fully aware. Maintaining your own emotional wellbeing and energy is […]
Focusing on Positive Outcomes for Children in Care
In the fast-paced world of fostering, it’s easy to become consumed by paperwork, procedures, and deadlines. Meetings, case files, and compliance checks often dominate our daily routines. But behind every document, every report, and every statistic lies something far more significant: a child’s story. At the heart of these stories are the “milestones”—the small yet powerful experiences […]
NSPCC Practice Points : How can we hear and facilitate the voice of the child?
Pulling together key themes compiled from NSPCC : Listening to and capturing the voice of the child is central to effective safeguarding practice. It’s how we understand children’s lived experiences, hear their views about their lives and circumstances, and take effective action to support or safeguard them. Under the United Nations Convention on the Rights […]
When a child or young person is missing or absent
Safeguarding is a key role of foster carers, and when a child is not where you expect them to be, they may be at risk. Whether just a few hours, overnight or several days – never treat this as routine, even if the child/YP has done it before, or has a significant history of such. This […]
Childline delivers thousands of counselling sessions about sexuality and gender identity
We’re reminding young people that Childline is confidential and here to help. As Pride Month gets underway, we’re reminding children and young people of all ages that Childline is here to help, whatever their worry. Young people’s concerns In 2024/25, we delivered 2,411 counselling sessions on the topic of sexuality and gender identity. Over 40% […]