Learning Outcomes:
- Exploring knowledge of the agency’s supervision and support capacity for building resilience as a foster carer.
Range of Support Resources
Indigo Fostering mandates holistic support provisions for foster carers spanning:
- Dedicated supervising social workers providing guidance, support and supervision
- Continuous personalised training and development opportunities
- Specialised resources offering behavioural, cultural or transitions mediation
- Strategies for building resilience, incorporating principles of supervision and support.
Support Overview
Supporting foster carer resilience involves employing various techniques to help them cope with challenges and maintain well-being. Techniques include:
Training and Education: Providing ongoing training on relevant topics, such as trauma-informed care and behavioural strategies, helps foster carers feel more equipped to handle diverse situations.
Peer Support Groups: Establishing peer support networks allows foster carers to share experiences, exchange advice, and provide emotional support. This sense of community can bolster resilience.
Counselling Services: Offering access to counselling services helps foster carers navigate the emotional aspects of their role, providing a safe space to discuss challenges and build coping strategies.
Respite Care: Arranging regular breaks or respite care gives foster carers time to recharge, preventing burnout and ensuring they remain emotionally resilient.
Supervision and Feedback: Regular check-ins and feedback sessions with social workers or support staff help foster carers reflect on their experiences, address concerns, and receive constructive guidance.
Skill-Building Workshops: Providing workshops on stress management, communication skills, and self-care empowers foster carers with practical tools to enhance their resilience.
Recognition and Appreciation: Acknowledging and appreciating the efforts of foster carers through recognition programs or gestures of appreciation reinforces their sense of value and contributes to resilience.
Flexibility in Scheduling: Allowing flexibility in schedules recognises the unique demands of fostering, providing foster carers with the space they need to balance their responsibilities.
By implementing these techniques, fostering agencies can contribute to the resilience of foster carers, ultimately creating a more supportive and sustainable environment for both carers and the children in their care.