Fostering 'E' ..... A - Z Blog Challenge

As Jeff and I have been foster carers for 3 years this month it seemed the right time to have Fostering as a topic for the A-Z. We're still new enough that we're not jaded yet, but have had a pretty bumpy ride, so fairly realistic in what fostering is really about.

For further information The Fostering Network




E IS FOR:
Eating Disorders - One of the few things all children, whether looked after or not, can control is what they eat. Emotional health can impact greatly on this area so foster carers need to be vigilant with children and young people's eating habits. all children have different appetites which is to be expected, but some eating problems can cause long term damage on physical and emotional health.
Education - As much as possible looked after children stay in the same education provision they were in before they start to live with you. However, some children and young people refuse to attend mainstream education. In this instance the Virtual Learning School (every council has one) will support the child to maintain some form of education. This is something a foster carer needs to give consideration to as it doesn't suit all carers positions to have a school-aged child at home full-time.
Emergencies - Any emergency must be reported to either the social worker, the out of hours team, or the emergency duty team as quickly as possible. If a child is missing then the police are contacted first then social services as you will need a reference number.
Emergency Protection Order - Sometimes you may get a request for an emergency placement, with no notice. It's useful to let social services know if you are available for these type of placements. As with children not at school, not all situations will suit all foster carers.
Equipment - You tend to build up a collection of items as you go on. However if you need a specific piece of equipment, e.g. a car seat for a baby, then social services will either provide you with one or reimburse you. Then at the end of that placement the property is returned to the department.
Ethnicity - Culture is the characteristics of a particular group defined by different factors. Culture is part of a child's heritage and foster carers should respect and nurture that. If you are ensure how best to support a child then speak to social services, the parents or friends. We had a child who were not sure how best to support. I spoke to a friend who advised best places to get his hair cut, specific hair products and where to find some of the ingredients for specific meals he liked.
Exhaustion - A very important one! It is very easy to get caught up in the day to day necessities that your looked after child needs. But before you know it you are worn down, tired, and then how can you give your best? From personal experience it helps no-one to be that run down. I think this quote pretty much sums it up ......

And here's some more :)