A description of your site en-gb http://fosteringsolutions.com/ Your copyright information 15
“We’re always looking for innovative ways to encourage people to ‘make a life change’ by becoming foster carers so when the opportunity came along to hold two information events at the top of the Radio City Tower, we took it!” explains Fostering Solutions operations manager, Andrea Treble.

“There are nearly 1,000 ‘looked after’ children and young people living in Liverpool alone. They all come from diverse backgrounds and they all need a safe, stable and secure home.

Fostering Solutions is very fortunate to have excellent foster carers in the area but we need many, many, more to meet demand.”

The information events take place on Friday 17th and Friday 24th May from 10am to 4.00pm and coincide with the annual Foster Care Fortnight initiative encouraging people to ‘get in the frame’ and become foster carers.

Everyone is welcome to pop in, no appointment is necessary and a warm welcome and light refreshments await visitors.

For those unable to attend either event, a thirty minute question and answer session will take place immediately afterwards. Andrea explains “Those following @RadioCity967 on Twitter can ask our social worker, Danielle, any fostering related question they wish during that thirty minute slot. It’s another unique and golden opportunity to reassure people they can make a life change – both theirs and those of some of the most vulnerable people in our community”.

If you want to ‘Get in the Frame’ with Fostering Solutions, find out about our generous allowances, training and support, call us on 0845 505 1294, apply online here or text ‘Foster’ to 60777.

Follow us on Twitter: @FosteringSols and find us on Facebook: facebook.com/fosteringsolutions]]> www.fosteringsolutions.com www.fosteringsolutions.com Thu, 16 May 2013 14:32:33 BST
As always, Fostering Solutions are supporting the campaign: “Many people talk themselves out of even calling us to have a chat about becoming a foster carer” explains Janet Cuffe, director of foster carer services. “We know from a recent survey conducted for the Department of Education that people are anxious about being the right age, having enough space in their homes, being single or in a same gender couple and the fact that they smoke, the level of financial and professional support and training. We can quickly and easily dispel those myths if they’d just give us a call and they could ‘Get in the Frame’!”.

“There are thousands of looked after children and young people living in the UK, all of whom come from hugely diverse backgrounds. Each time a child or young person is referred to us by a local authority, we give full consideration to their needs such as education, contact with friends and family, religious requirements, hobbies and interests. We also think carefully of the kind of home environment they need. In reality, there are lots and lots of people living in the UK who ‘qualify themselves out’ of fostering but who would make excellent carers.”

To celebrate this year’s Foster Care Fortnight, Fostering Solutions are publishing the results of our annual consultation surveys. Janet explains, “this year, we were delighted to hear that 100% of our young people aged 12 to 18 feel their foster carers listen to them and are happy living with them. 91% of our carers rated the support we give as excellent or good and 94% of local authorities rated the quality of our foster carers as excellent or good. We continue to work towards a 100% success rate in every category”.

If you want to ‘Get in the Frame’ with Fostering Solutions, find out about the generous financial allowances, training and 24 hour support, call 0845 505 1294 or here.

Follow us on Twitter: @FosteringSols and find us on Facebook: facebook.com/fosteringsolutions.]]> www.fosteringsolutions.com www.fosteringsolutions.com Tue, 14 May 2013 09:30:44 BST
Six demonstration sites across England and Wales will be trained to use ‘social pedagogy’, a method of focussing on supporting foster carers to help the children for whom they care to build positive relationships, find stability, enjoy better outcomes and improve their long term wellbeing.

Client Services Director for Fostering Solutions, Gareth Walton, attended the Westminster launch by Shadow Children’s Minister, Lisa Nandy and spoke of the event: “Attendance was fabulous and included Children's Minister, Edward Timpson and his predecessor Tim Loughton".

“Robert Tapsfield, Fostering Network’s Chief Executive, led the presentation by giving a stirring speech urging professionals to really embrace the priceless work undertaken by foster carers and the need to grant them the autonomy to really change the lives of children in care.”

The pedagogic approach has been well tested elsewhere in Europe and is supported by academics due to its simplistic approach of embracing learning, stimulating people through the head, connecting with them emotionally through the heart and developing everyday tools for survival through the hands. The concept fits neatly with that of Delegated Authority, which respects foster carers for their skills (developed through experience and training) and enabling them to have a positive influence for the foster children’s futures.

Whilst Fostering Solutions is not an immediate ‘demonstration site’ for the ‘Head, Heart, Hands’ project, both Gareth and colleague Mel Taylor, Regional Service Manager for Yorkshire and the North East, are representatives on the Fostering Network steering group. Fostering Solutions will receive quarterly updates regarding the progress of the pilots over the forthcoming three years and will be in an excellent position to bring knowledge and learning through the management team and to Fostering Solutions services across the country. Gareth is very enthusiastic and positive about the initiative: “this new legislative framework is a real opportunity to ‘grasp the nettle’ and improve foster care across the sector”.

If you would like the chance to make a positive difference to a child or young person’s life as a foster carer, please contact Fostering Solutions Carer Recruitment Team on 0845 505 1294 or apply online here. ]]> www.fosteringsolutions.com www.fosteringsolutions.com Tue, 23 Apr 2013 10:11:06 BST
“We’ve cared for very young babies, toddlers and teens and although it’s been tough at times, the rewards are great. We’ve actually changed their lives for the better and ours have too”.

During the eight years they’ve fostered, John and Mary have cared for children from all backgrounds. “Inevitably, they move back to their own families, to adopters or they reach adulthood but we still worry about each and every one of them.” Many keep in touch with one young person commenting that “I didn’t know how lucky I was to live with Mary and John”.

It’s not always easy, as Mary explains “Saying ‘farewell’ to a baby after caring for her for fourteen months was hard and we relied on the excellent support from our Fostering Solutions social worker and the whole team. You have to pick yourselves up and carry on; there’s always another child in need of our care”.

Training is of vital importance for foster carers “it opens your eyes and tells you things you may not have thought about. Fostering Solutions offers a great deal of training and very regular support. Being part of the organisation is like being part of a great big family. Everyone is friendly and helpful and we can talk to them about anything”

Interested in becoming a foster carer? Staff and foster carers will be at the Fostering Solutions recruitment stand at The Ridings Centre, Wakefield, WF1 1DS from 9am to 5.30pm on Thursday 25th April 2013, so please pop along for an informal chat, we’ll be delighted to see you. Further information about this is available here.

Unable to come and see us? Call 0845 505 1294 for a chat with our friendly Carer Recruitment team or apply online here.]]> www.fosteringsolutions.com www.fosteringsolutions.com Mon, 15 Apr 2013 14:44:24 BST
Once again, we have retained our 'Outstanding' Ofsted inspection ratings in the North West and Midland region and we look forward to making 2013 another life-changing year.

You may read the Fostering Solutions Annual Report 2011/2012 here. ]]> www.fosteringsolutions.com www.fosteringsolutions.com Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:46:06 BST
The inspection, undertaken under the new Ofsted inspection framework found the service to be ‘Outstanding’ in every category inspected, with an overall rating of ‘Outstanding’.

Service manager, Miquette Novella, explains “we were warned, at the beginning of the inspection, that the new framework has very specific ‘Grade Descriptions’. The standards are much higher than in previous frameworks and we honestly felt that to get a ‘Good’ rating would be a great achievement. To get ‘Outstanding’ is a wonderful assessment and reflects the excellent work of our foster carers and staff. One care leaver told the inspector, that her carers had ‘stood by her in difficult times because they really cared’. You couldn’t wish for a nicer comment”.

The South region covers a very large geographical area across the south of England, with staff located at offices in Worthing, Winchester and Banbury to provide 24 hour support to all its foster carers caring for hundreds of children across the region.

Kim, a foster carer based in the south, was attracted to work with Fostering Solutions after viewing the websites of a number of independent foster care agencies. “My husband, Phil, and I thought Fostering Solutions looked very professional. We liked that”.

Since joining the agency, Kim and Phil have found “the staff are very supportive; they offer a great deal of training and their guidance and advice is always valuable. We are delighted with the ‘Outstanding’ rating as it means we are all doing a good job”.

Kim’s sentiments are echoed by Miquette “we value our carers, their work, their dedication and their commitment. We would like many more people in the region to join our team and change the lives of many more children and young people in the care system”.

The full, published, Ofsted report is now available to view here.

Anyone considering becoming a foster carer but undecided as to which agency to choose would be interested to hear Kim’s assessment of Fostering Solutions “I would definitely recommend Fostering Solutions to other people. I can’t fault them in any way”.

Register your interest in fostering today here or call 0845 505 1294.]]> www.fosteringsolutions.com www.fosteringsolutions.com Mon, 18 Mar 2013 09:26:39 GMT
“Day Lewis Pharmacy’s core purpose is to help people in the community to stay healthy and feel better. Staff at Day Lewis Pharmarcy develop services to meet customer need. Fostering Solutions has very similar values. We know that by investing heavily in our foster carers training and support, we ensure they are fully equipped to care for vulnerable children and young people” explains Louise Hernon, Director (South) for Fostering Solutions.

Selected Day Lewis Pharmacies in Balham, Battersea, Peckham, Stoke Newington, Camberwell and other areas of London and also in Nottingham have been equipped with Fostering Solutions information leaflets to encourage people to consider becoming foster carers.

Louise continues “we need to encourage people from all backgrounds to provide stable and supportive homes for children and young people. Many of them are in care through no fault of their own and desperately need the security of a foster home. Fostering is not a one way street and the personal rewards for both the foster child and carer can be huge”.

Fostering Solutions is proud to say it values its carers very highly, in the same way that Day Lewis Pharmacies value their customers. So the next time you visit a Day Lewis pharmacy for help, don’t forget, there’s a vulnerable child somewhere who needs your help.

Interested in fostering children in London or Nottingham or anywhere in the UK? Have a spare bedroom in your present home for a child or young person to call their own? Call us on 0845 505 1294 or apply online here.]]> www.fosteringsolutions.com www.fosteringsolutions.com Thu, 14 Mar 2013 10:09:50 GMT
From a fostering perspective, it is vital the most vulnerable children and young people in society have access to secure, supportive and caring foster homes, and that no one is discouraged from becoming a foster carer.

You may read the Government statement in full here here

Anyone interested in making a life change by becoming a foster carer with Fostering Solutions should call us on 0845 505 1294 or apply online here.]]> www.fosteringsolutions.com www.fosteringsolutions.com Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:15:30 GMT
Fostering Solutions is very keen to meet with people from ALL backgrounds who wish to become foster carers.

Lucky residents of the North West can come along to our information event at the The Lesbian and Gay Foundation, number 5, Richmond Street, Manchester, M1 3HF on Wednesday 6th March. We'll be there from 3pm to 7pm and you will have the opportunity to chat with staff and foster carers to find out how our foster carers make lives change.

Don't just take our word for it. Gary and Alan have been foster carers with Fostering Solutions for over 7 years and cared for children on a respite basis and have had 2 long term placements.

Gary explains "Prior to becoming foster carers, we had little experience of caring for children apart from caring for our nieces and nephews overnight. The assessment undertaken by our supervising social worker focused on our skills, knowledge and life experience as individuals and as a couple."

Alan remembers the assessment process as a positive experience "from the initial visit and throughout the assessment process, we were treated with respect and we never felt the expectations of us as a gay couple were any different from anyone else".

The couple feel that "having the opportunity to watch young children blossom, grow and learn new skills is very rewarding" it has changed the lives of the children and their own by "giving us the chance to share our life with children, giving us wonderful experiences we wouldn't usually have gained as a gay couple".

Inspired by Gary and Alan's story? Please pop along and see us on Wednesday.

Unable to attend? Please call our Carer Recruitment Team on 0845 505 1294 or apply online at here.

Please note, you must have a spare bedroom in your home for a child to call their own.]]> http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=83 http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=83 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 14:52:01 GMT
"The Denbighshire and Conwy Working Development Partnership invited us to to attend their recruitment fairs" explains Fostering Solutions Operations Manager, Julie Grant.

"Events took place in Anglesey, Llandudno, Mold, Rhyl, Caernarfon and Wrexham. They were well publicised in local press and on the local authorities websites and all the participants from other independent fostering agencies and local authorities had a really postive response from attendees."

For those who didn't have a chance to attend the recruitment events,
Fostering Solutions staff are opening the doors of their office at Clywd House, Regent Street, Wrexham, LL11 1PF during the spring and summer.
Details of their open days and all Fostering Solutions information and recruitment events throughout the United Kingdom may be found here.

Please remember, you must have a spare bedroom in your home for your foster child to call their own.]]> www.fosteringsolutions.com www.fosteringsolutions.com Tue, 26 Feb 2013 10:59:47 GMT
"We're looking forward to meeting people interested in providing supportive and caring homes for some of the 2,500 'looked after' children and young people living in the east of England" explained manager, Neil Banks.

"We have a particular need for new foster carers in Cambridge and surrounding areas, including St Ives, Huntingdon, Ely, St Neots , Cambourne, Newmarket, Soham, Arbury, Fen Ditton, Abbey Estate, Cherry Hinton, Fulbourne and surrounding villages but welcome appplications from people all over Cambridgeshire".

If you feel you could help, why not pop along to Cambridge Central Library, 7 Lion Yard, Cambridge, CB2 3QD, for an infomal chat.

If you're unable to come but wish to know more about the fantastic rewards of fostering, contact our Carer Recruitment Team on 0845 505 1294 or apply online here.

Please note, you must have a spare bedroom in your home for a child or young person to call their own.]]> https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=cb2+3qd&hl=en&sll=52.8382,-2.327815&sspn=7.887924,21.159668&t=h&hnear=CB2+3QD,+United+Kingdom&z=16 https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=cb2+3qd&hl=en&sll=52.8382,-2.327815&sspn=7.887924,21.159668&t=h&hnear=CB2+3QD,+United+Kingdom&z=16 Thu, 14 Feb 2013 09:56:58 GMT
The staff at Fostering Solutions know the successful way to ensure positive outcomes for our foster children, is to ensure our foster carers receive the best support, the best and most up to date training and generous allowances.

We make sure our carers know they are valued. You could feel valued too.

There is a shortage of nearly 10,000 foster carers in the UK, so why not make today the day you change lives and become a foster carer with Fostering Solutions?

We’re touring the country to meet people interested in joining our outstanding team of carers from Crewe to Worthing, from Wrexham to Great Yarmouth and from Bradford on Avon to Derby. Please click here to see if we’re coming to a venue near you.

Alternatively, call us on 0845 505 1294 for more information or click here to apply online to become a foster carer.]]> www.fosteringsolutions.com www.fosteringsolutions.com Tue, 12 Feb 2013 12:30:07 GMT
Allowing extra time to enjoy some sightseeing in London prior to the meeting (see photograph), the young people spoke with Mr Timpson on their own, discussing how looked after young people are treated by social workers, teachers and other professionals involved in their care.

Further discussion took place regarding the government's plans for hospital staff to have access to a looked after child or young person's medical records in an emergency and how young people who are not already in care, are treated when on remand.

Both staff and young people agreed it was a very valuable opportunity to express their views and, hopefully, shape future laws.

Everyone at Fostering Solutions is delighted and proud the young people were consulted and could make a difference to others.

There is a national shortage of foster carers and we urgently need to recruit new carers in the regions throughout Wales, the central belt of Scotland and England. If you feel you could change a child or young person's life, please contact our Carer Recruitment Team on 0845 505 1294 or apply online here.]]> www.fosteringsolutions.com www.fosteringsolutions.com Thu, 31 Jan 2013 12:06:37 GMT
We know the decision to become a foster carer doesn’t happen overnight. People often spend months or even years thinking about it before taking that first tentative step of picking up the telephone to talk to us or sitting down by their computer to visit our website.

With this in mind, we at Fostering Solutions, resolved to help people make an informed choice about undertaking this vital and rewarding career by offering a relaxed and enjoyable training course ‘Introduction to Fostering’ at the Red Lion Hotel, Red Lion Lane, Basingstoke, RG21 7LX on Monday 21st January from 10.30am to 12.30 pm or on Monday 28th January from 6pm to 8pm.

The course is free of charge and attendees will be given an honest and clear presentation detailing the role of a foster carer, the assessment process, the excellent training we offer, the reasons children and young people come into foster care and will dispel many myths surrounding who can and who cannot foster.

You don’t need formal qualifications, Fostering Solutions will offer you comprehensive initial and ongoing training. You will need patience, understanding, and a genuine commitment to helping the people in your care to achieve their goals and potential. You will also need a spare bedroom in your home for them to call their own.

If you feel it’s time for you to make a fresh start and make a positive change to your life and to the children and young people who need a safe, stable and supportive foster home, please call Lynne or Sam to on 01962 715511 to book your space on either course. Unable to attend but would like to know more about becoming a foster carer? Call our friendly Carer Recruitment Team on 0845 505 1294 or apply online here.]]> www.fosteringsolutions.com www.fosteringsolutions.com Mon, 14 Jan 2013 13:32:36 GMT
Using the Department of Health’s ‘Stoptober’ campaign, Joyce smoked her last cigarette at the end of September last year and has remained smoke free since. “I started smoking 40 years ago so it was definitely a big part of my lifestyle. I’d been thinking about quitting and was inspired by the adverts for the Department of Health’s ‘Stoptober’ initiative” explains Joyce. “The campaign ran from 1st October for 28 days and was backed by Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation. They provided daily motivational messages, helpful hints and tips and a ‘Smokefree’ Facebook page to share my experience with others”.

“Before I started, I thought it would be great to use my efforts to raise money for a good cause so I asked colleagues, friends, family and my employers, independent foster care agency Fostering Solutions, to sponsor me. There are lots of good causes I would have liked to have chosen but settled on the fantastic Halton Haven Hospice in Runcorn as they provide a wonderful service for people with life threatening illnesses and their families”.

Changing the habit of a lifetime was a challenge, but Joyce’s professional background meant she knew the value of having a good support network behind her “I kept everyone informed via a blog and relied on their support and encouragement. Helping children and young people who have experienced abuse and hardship is the most rewarding job but it can be emotionally demanding, so I needed my colleagues to keep me focused on my goal. Fostering Solutions is such a supportive and caring organisation to work for and they gave a generous donation to my sponsorship fund”.

It’s never too late to make a life change, so if your new year’s resolution is to make a big difference to your life and to other people’s lives, why not become a foster carer? The staff at Fostering Solutions will be delighted to support you to provide a caring and supportive foster home for some of the 1,600 children in care in the North West. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and provide excellent initial and on-going training and support plus a generous allowance. Inspired to find out more? Call our carer recruitment team on 0845 505 1294 or apply online here.

You don’t need formal qualifications but you will need a spare bedroom in your home for a child or young person to call their own.]]> www.fosteringsolutions.com www.fosteringsolutions.com Thu, 10 Jan 2013 14:48:09 GMT
If you feel you would, you could become a foster carer with Fostering Solutions!

Fostering Solutions is keen to recruit new carers from all backgrounds to offer safe, supportive and caring homes for some of the 2,500 children and young people in care in the East of England. Married, co-habiting, living alone or in a same sex relationship, whatever your cultural background and beliefs, there are children and young people in need of your care.

Apply to become a foster carer with Fostering Solutions and benefit from our comprehensive and enjoyable initial training. Once approved as a carer, you will be offered 24 hour support, ongoing training from experienced social workers and professionals from external agencies and a generous allowance for each child or young person placed in your care.

Fostering Solutions is a leading independent agency offering friendly, local support.

You don’t need formal qualifications, we’ll give you all the training you’ll need, all you need is your childcare experience (gained through looking after your own children or working with others), a spare bedroom in your home for a child to call their own and the wish to make lives change for the better....your life included!

Interested in hearing more about becoming a foster carer with Fostering Solutions? Visit our stand at the Cambridge JobsFair 2013.

Alternatively, you could call our friendly colleagues in the Carer Recruitment team on 0845 505 1294 or apply online here.]]> www.fosteringsolutions.com www.fosteringsolutions.com Mon, 07 Jan 2013 11:41:14 GMT Buckley Rangers Junior Football Club’s first team, little realising this would lead to her becoming the team’s Child Welfare Officer.

“Tom the coach asked me if I’d like the role of Welfare Officer so I went on a course to qualify for the role. I’m involved with other aspects of the team. I fundraise, organise events, help with the team’s newsletters and anything that needs doing, I think it really helps the children to see me taking an interest and getting involved with the team”.

It’s not just the children in Buckley Rangers Junior team who benefit from Jane’s enthusiasm, commitment and care. There are many other children living locally who’ve also benefitted from Jane’s help. “I’ve been a foster carer with locally based independent foster care agency, Fostering Solutions, for years and have cared for many children and young people. The two roles complement each other, and it’s a pleasure to see how my family’s involvement with Buckley Rangers has helped the team, my own children and the foster children in my care”.

In recognition of Jane’s invaluable work both as a foster carer and with Buckley Ranger, Fostering Solutions has just agreed a second year of sponsorship for the junior team. “Thanks to Fostering Solutions, we have been able to purchase equipment that allows the children to train indoors during the cold, dark, winter months” explains Jane.

“Lots of the mums and dads at the club have said how pertinent it is that a fostering company is sponsoring a children’s football team. I tell them it’s a ‘win – win’ situation!”

If your goal is to make a positive difference to children’s lives, just as Jane has, why not contact your local youth football team and see if they need practical support.

If you are inspired to find out more about becoming a foster carer, why not call Fostering Solutions on 0845 505 1294 or apply online here .

You don’t need formal qualifications to foster, just your experience and life skills.

Fostering Solutions foster carers enjoy full initial and ongoing training, 24 hour support every day of the year and generous allowances.

You will need a spare bedroom in your home for a child or young person to call their own.]]> www.fosteringsolutions.com www.fosteringsolutions.com Wed, 05 Dec 2012 09:23:15 GMT
The four ‘Duty to Refer’ events will take place during January 2013 in Altrincham, Cardiff, Exeter and Loughborough.

During the three hour events, delegates will be updated on key topics such as the role of the ISA, its decision making process, the relevant conduct/harm test and the future scope of the newly formed Disclosure and Barring Service.

A spokesperson for the agencies involved explains “this is a great opportunity for us to work with the ISA to highlight the changes taking place in the new Disclosure and Barring Service.

We look forward to meeting our colleagues involved in safeguarding vulnerable children and young people at the January events.”

To book your place contact Helen Showan on 02920 815321 or email helen.showan@pathwaycare.org.uk (for Cardiff and Exeter events) or Jen Dry on 01204 558158 or email jen.dry@fosteringsolutions.com (for Altrincham and Loughborough events).

Spaces at the events are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.]]> www.fosteringsolutions.com www.fosteringsolutions.com Wed, 28 Nov 2012 09:50:42 GMT
“The inspection assessed our service under the three quality themes; our quality of care and support, quality of staffing and quality of management and leadership and rated them all as ‘very good’."

"Added to this, for the second time running, the inspection report didn’t identify any areas for requirements or recommendations and this is the first time this has been achieved by a fostering service in Scotland.”

Based in the historic city of Edinburgh, Fostering Solutions has Foster Carers across central Scotland including Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow, providing safe, secure, child-centred, homes to looked after children and young people.

“Our robust support and training and a team of incredibly dedicated Foster Carers and staff ensure the most important people, the children and young people, receive excellent care in an environment where they are fully encouraged and enabled to reach their potential and I would like to thank each of them for the part they play in providing the service”.

Nationally, there is a shortfall in the number of Foster Carers.

Independent charity, Fostering Network, estimates there is a need for a further 1,000 Foster Carers in Scotland.

If you would like to find out how to become a Foster Carer with Fostering Solutions, call us on 0845 505 1294 or apply online.

You will need a spare bedroom in your home for a child or young person to call their own.

You could make a positive difference to the lives of children and young people in Scotland and elsewhere in the UK, so please, contact us .]]> www.fosteringsolutions.com www.fosteringsolutions.com Tue, 27 Nov 2012 11:11:21 GMT
“The course is just a couple of hours long and we aim to dispel old fashioned myths and show people the role of the modern foster carer”.

Fostering Solutions foster carer, Annie Lentner will join Dawn, supervising social worker, Michelle Grindey and administrator, Jackie Grant to chat with attendees.

Speaking of hers
and husband John’s experiences, Annie says “fostering’s not an easy job, however, the rewards you see when your foster child or children flourish and achieve their goals is great and you can, quite rightly, feel proud of what you have achieved together with them.

You need to be strong, have a big heart and I would definitely recommend fostering to other people”.

Presently, there are 675 children and young people in care in West Sussex.

You could make a positive difference to some of them and give them a secure, supportive and caring home.

You don’t need formal qualifications; your childcare experience is more important, whether gained through raising your own family or looking after other people’s children.

You will need a spare bedroom in your home for your foster child to call their own.

Dawn is sad many children and young people don’t have the chance to live in a caring home “every week, we get lots of enquiries from local authorities in the region, asking for caring homes for children of all ages and we have to turn them away. These children deserve a chance. Our foster carers can give them a fresh start and allow them to just be children.

If you think you could make a positive difference to a child or young person’s life, please come along and meet us. We’ll be delighted to meet you”.

The Introduction to Fostering Course takes place on Tuesday 20th November from 6pm to 8pm.

Please call 01903 693923 to book your place and receive details of the course content.

Everyone is welcome.

Unable to attend? Why not apply online here ]]> www.fosteringsolutions.com www.fosteringsolutions.com Mon, 19 Nov 2012 13:39:50 GMT
“We’re holding a very informal information event a the Lesbian and Gay Foundation offices in the city centre for people to come along and chat with us about the invaluable role foster carers have in society” explained operations manager, Lisa Young.

“Children and young people from vastly diverse backgrounds and needs are referred to us each day and we take great care to ensure they go to the carers who can meet and exceed those needs".

"Sometimes, we know a child would flourish in a solely female or solely male household and it’s awful to have to refuse to place a child or young person simply because we don’t have the right carers for them. We desperately want to change that situation and that is why we are so keen to recruit lesbian and gay people”.

Greater Manchester based Ruth and Julie joined Fostering Solutions five years ago and found the whole experience to be positive and rewarding.

“From the moment we made that initial phone call to Fostering Solutions, throughout the assessment process and our fostering career to date, we have felt welcomed, valued and respected. The process of becoming a foster carer is the same for everyone and we could never imagine having any other career. We’ve cared for babies from birth and teenagers of both sexes and have provided a safe home for girls who’ve had negative experiences of men. For us it is the most rewarding and fulfilling career and we would heartily recommend it.”

If you feel you could make a positive difference to the lives of some of the 11,000 children and young people in care in the north west, if you have a spare bedroom for a child to call their own and have child care experience (gained through caring for your own children or others), please come along to the Lesbian and Gay Foundation offices, Number 5, Richmond Street, Manchester, M1 3HF on Thursday 29th November. We’ll be there from 3pm until 7pm and will be delighted to meet you.

Can’t make that date? No problem, just call our friendly Carer Recruitment team on 08453 700 500 or apply online here. You don’t need formal qualifications, your life skills are infinitely more important and you could make a positive difference to a child’s life.

For information about our events elsewhere in the UK, please visit our website.]]> www.fosteringsolutions.com www.fosteringsolutions.com Thu, 15 Nov 2012 10:38:22 GMT
Speaking from her family home in Middlesex, Janan felt "at the beginning of the training, I thought it would never end and I was anxious about balancing the needs of my family, foster children and studies, but I got there in the end and am so pleased to have done it!".

Janan has now secured a position working in children's services and is grateful to her family and friends for all the help they've given her "I couldn't have done it without the support from the people in my life and I am so grateful to each of them".

Janan has a message to anyone who is undecided about undertaking a new challenge: "If I can do it, anyone can!".

Joyce Salmon, Manager of the London region office of Fostering Solutions is delighted for Janan. "Janan is a lovely Foster Carer and richly deserves her success. We are all delighted for her and her family".

If you would like to find out about offering a vulnerable child or young person a safe and secure home, become a Foster Carer! Presently, there are over 15,000 looked after children in inner and outer London, many of whom would thrive in your care, so why not follow Janan's lead and try something new - foster!

Further information available here and apply online here.

Staff and Carers from Fostering Solutions will be at Ealing Library on 1st November, so why not drop in and meet us. Find out more here.]]> www.fosteringsolutons.com www.fosteringsolutons.com Thu, 25 Oct 2012 13:02:21 BST
For many years, government statistics painted a gloomy picture of the academic successes of looked after children, but more upbeat reports have emerged from regions within Britain, as the results of this summer’s GCSE’s and AS/A Levels were announced.

Seventeen year old Louise, who gained AS Levels in Music, Music Tech, Drama and English Literature and Language this year, has lived with Anita and Roger at their home in Northampton for two years and has a long held ambition to become a teacher.

Anita and Roger have no doubt Louise will achieve her goal; “Louise has always enjoyed school and has always worked hard, she hopes to become a primary school teacher or teach Performing Arts”.

During this year's summer holidays, Louise spent six weeks at the University of Aberystwyth. That experience, coupled with a recommendation from a member of Louise’s family, has confirmed Louise’s choice and she is looking forward to joining the university in September 2013 for three years studying Education and Drama.

“Roger and I are happy for Louise as it’s her dream to go to university and Louise is confident she will be OK there, she already knows Aberystwyth has a good support network, following her time there this summer. The other children in our care are pleased for her and think she will make a good teacher."

"Louise has lots of hobbies, she loves reading, playing the oboe, writing her own music and poems and is part of the local amateur dramatics group so she likes to keep busy...and of course, she loves our dog Maxfi!”

Operations manager at Fostering Solutions' local office, Julie Samuels, is very proud of the whole household “Anita and Roger are lovely foster carers and all three children in their care are settled and happy, we couldn’t wish for a nicer family and we are all so proud of Louise’s achievements, she has a bright future ahead of her!”.

Fostering Solutions is holding an informal ‘Introduction to Fostering’ event on Tuesday 23rd October from 6pm to 8pm at their offices in Banbury. If you wish to join us at the event, please call 01295 271103 to book your space. Unable to attend? Call our friendly Carer Recruitment team on 08453 700 500 or visit our website www.fosteringsolutions.com and apply online.

Please note, you must have a spare bedroom in your home for a child or young person to call their own.]]> www.fosteringsolutions.com www.fosteringsolutions.com Wed, 17 Oct 2012 11:51:20 BST
“It’s ten years since Kate and I lost our lovely mum, Tonia, to breast cancer. We wanted to turn our loss into something positive and raise money to help towards finding a cure for this dreadful disease, so we hit on the idea of running one race for every year since we lost our mum” explains Emma.

Beginning their challenge in May this year, Emma, Kate and a huge range of friends, family and their dogs ran races in London, Swindon, Bournemouth, Basingstoke, Poole, Salisbury, Southampton, Oxford and Portsmouth. The final race, due to take place on the Isle of Wight at the end of July, was cancelled due to poor weather in the weeks leading up to the race. Emma continues “We were so disappointed the Isle of Wight race was cancelled but we were determined to fulfil our promise to run ten races, so we enrolled for our local 5k race at Abbotts Ann, near Andover. We couldn’t let mum down, we desperately wanted to finish what we started!”.

Emma was amazed at the response the sisters received, “we set ourselves a target of raising £3000 but smashed that easily with the help of generous sponsorship from local businesses and friends. We funded our travel and entry fees ourselves so all the money raised will go to the charity. We are enormously grateful to everyone who sponsored us, the support was tremendous and we were particularly touched by the generosity of my employers, Fostering Solutions and to Kate’s husband’s company, Nicholas Howard. Kate and I would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to all who took part”.

If you could offer a supportive and caring home to a child or young person, please contact us on 08453 700 500 or apply online here .]]> www.fosteringsolutions.com www.fosteringsolutions.com Mon, 24 Sep 2012 09:27:30 BST
The North Wales region of Fostering Solutions reaches over 75 miles of stunning Welsh countryside from Anglesey to Wrexham, so Dot, a keen walker herself, uses the internet to locate appropriate walks. “The walks have to suit carers of all abilities, they have to be child, pushchair and dog friendly and we make sure that no one has to drive to far to get to each walk. We tend to gather in groups of two or three and chat whilst we’re walking. We share our experiences and learn from each other. We know our Fostering Solutions social workers are always there to support us, and now we have our fellow foster carers too!”.

More formal support group meetings take place every other month, but the informal support walks have proved very popular and all the Carers feel they have benefitted from this new, relaxed, approach to supporting each other “we all feel we’ve bonded and had the confidence to share our experiences with other Carers whilst enjoying a stroll. Everyone goes at their own pace and Julie, our Operations Manager, and our Social Workers move from group to group to see how we’re getting along and share our conversations. During the summer, all the children came along to our walk in St Asaph in the Vale of Clwyd. The children played in the play park, we took picnics and everyone had a great time!”.

The walks tend to take about half an hour and afterwards, if we have time before the school run, we have a cup of tea together. We’re planning a ‘spa day’ next!

The North Wales team of Fostering Solutions foster carers is always looking for new members. If you are interested in becoming a foster carer, why not come along to our information days at our offices in Wrexham . Can't make it? Why not call our friendly Carer Recruitment Team on 08453 700500 or apply online here . Full details of all Fostering Solutions information events throughout Britain are available here . There is a national shortage of foster carers - you could make a positive difference to a child's life.]]> www.fosteringsolutions.com www.fosteringsolutions.com Tue, 18 Sep 2012 11:26:05 BST
We are delighted to tell you that Nadia, daughter of our Essex based Foster Carers Nicolette and Jeremy recently represented Great Britain in the ICKD Junior World Trophy carriage driving competition in Austria with her seven year old pony, Dandy, lovingly trained by Nadia and her sister.

Nadia, her friends and family, worked hard to fund-raise the cost of travel for this event, and saved costs by sleeping overnight at stables.

"Dandy performed well in the dressage, derby and cones, and despite being an average of 10 years younger than the other ponies on the team, we came overall fourth" explains Nadia, "Team GB won the team competition securing us a huge trophy and gold medals!"

Another sporting success story for Fostering Solutions is that of Manchester boy, Saad. Saad is the teenage son of long-serving Foster Carers Umer and Kanwal.

Saad is a talented cricket player with Lancashire County Cricket Under 14's team and has represented the UK in the West Indies.

An ambitious young man, Saad knows that "hard work and dedication may still not be enough to become a professional cricketer, so I continue to focus, very much, on my school studies".

Despite all his commitments, Saad still makes time for the foster children in his family and recently encouraged two boys, placed in the care of his family, to take up cricket. "They improved their skills through regular practice and when they returned their home, we gave them full cricket kits. They've since contacted us to to say they continue to enjoy the sport".

Fostering Solutions is proud to sponsor Nadia and Saad as well as young sportspeople at Linthwaite Junior Football Club and Old Rishworthians Junior Rugby Team,both in West Yorkshire and Buckley Rangers Junior Football Team in Merseyside.]]> www.fosteringsolutions.com www.fosteringsolutions.com Thu, 16 Aug 2012 11:44:11 BST
Gareth Walton, service manager with Fostering Solutions explains “Longdon Hall is a highly respected school for students aged 7 to 18, who have experience of social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. Each student’s education is individually tailored to teach life skills and promote self esteem. Our highly trained and experienced foster carers will work closely with the school to ensure the foundations laid by the teachers continue to be built on in their foster home”.

Included in the cost effective package for local authorities, children and young people will have a therapeutic assessment, meeting occupational, speech & language and creative expressive therapists who will assess their needs, produce a detailed report and agree a therapy package to support their needs.

“We at Fostering Solutions will very carefully match the student with one of our experienced foster families, supporting the student and foster carers for however long is needed. Both Fostering Solutions and Longdon Hall School received an ‘outstanding’ rating in their Ofsted inspections this year, so local authorities, students and their families will know they are receiving the best possible education and care to help them to become confident individuals and responsible citizens.”

For more information on this exciting new service, please contact Gareth Walton at Fostering Solutions on 01785 250 300 or email gareth.walton@fosteringsolutions.com]]> www.fosteringsolutions.com www.fosteringsolutions.com Thu, 09 Aug 2012 13:44:46 BST
Mingling with the crowds at the Splash FM Garden Party in Steyne Gardens, Worthing, Supervising Social Workers Val Emery and Michelle Grindey, together with Manager, Dawn Dunn, were pleased to chat with attendees and answer their questions about the role of foster carers and the urgent need to recruit new carers for the 750 children and young people in care in West Sussex.

Dawn found the whole event to be "a great success in raising the profile of Fostering Solutions in West Sussex. It was great to get out and meet people to break down some of the myths surrounding fostering and to encourage people to share their homes with children and young people in genuine need in the Worthing area and West Sussex as a whole".

If you live in Worthing or, indeed, anywhere in West Sussex and would like to learn more about fostering, please visit the new Fostering Solutions office at 4 Tudor Buildings, Littlehampton Road, Worthing, BN13 1QE or telephone us on 0845 505 1294]]> www.fosteringsolutions.com www.fosteringsolutions.com Tue, 24 Jul 2012 14:39:46 BST
Although she already had three adult sons of her own, Caroline wanted to open up her doors to more children and applied to become a single foster carer through Fostering Solutions.

She explains: “I love children. My three boys were all grown up, although two were still living with me at that time, and I felt that I could provide care and support to children who really needed it.

“As a single carer it can sometimes be challenging, but the support I’ve had from my family has been fantastic, particularly from my youngest son, who was at home during my first four years as a foster carer.”

In total, Caroline has looked after 11 children aged between five and 18. Some have stayed just a couple of weeks, others have lived with her for months and each have come with their own experiences and issues.

Caroline says: “The children that come to me haven’t had the easiest start in life and, as a result, have their own emotional issues. Most just want to feel safe and secure so I make sure I give them the stability and care they need for whatever period of time they are with me. When I see them begin to improve and flourish, it’s incredibly rewarding.

“One young boy initially came to stay with me for two weeks, but ended up staying for three months while a more permanent home was found. A long-term carer was chosen and the boy is now really settled. Although the role I played in his life was only brief, I was able to be there for him at a time when he really needed it and that gives me great satisfaction.”

The majority of the placements Caroline has had have been teenage girls. These years can be difficult for most young women, but Caroline enjoys the opportunity to have a positive impact on their lives.

Caroline again: “The girl staying with me at the moment had problems, which sometimes impacted on her attitude and behaviour, but since she’s been here with me she’s really turned a corner and is now working full-time and taking driving lessons, which is really encouraging.

“Often these young people just want someone to listen to them instead of talking at them, so that’s what I do. I use humour as a way to relate to them and deal with tense situations and, above all, I refuse to argue! So far, it’s worked for me and I’m really enjoying being a foster carer. I think this is what I’m meant to do.”

Caroline’s youngest son has also found his vocation in fostering.

Caroline added: “When my youngest son was living with me, he was my main source of support and also really enjoyed the experience of fostering so he’s now going through the application process and hoping to become a foster carer in August.

“His previous experience in dealing with foster children means he really understands what the job entails. It can be just as challenging as it is rewarding at times, but Fostering Solutions provide fantastic training and lots of support so you are never alone.

“I hope more people will be inspired to give fostering a shot. I’m so glad I became a foster carer. It has had a wonderful impact on the lives of me and my family.”

If you would like to know more about becoming a Foster Carer with us, click here to apply online.]]> www.fosteringsolutions.com www.fosteringsolutions.com Thu, 12 Jul 2012 14:52:00 BST
The couple, who have three children of their own, were inspired to start fostering while acting as referees for their neighbours to become foster carers.

Then, when they felt their family was at the right stage to go ahead, they took the plunge.

Nicolette explained: “When we found out about fostering through our neighbours, we thought it was something we definitely wanted to try for ourselves, but with a family of our own to consider, we wanted to make sure we did it at the right time.

“As soon as that time came we took the plunge and contacted our agency, Fostering Solutions, to get the process moving.

“Since then we haven’t looked back and the whole family has got a lot out of the experience.

Yes, there have been challenges.

We’re dealing with children who often have emotional and behavioural issues. But the opportunity to make a positive impact on their life, even if it’s only for a short period of time, is really rewarding.”

So far the couple has fostered four children and they look forward to welcoming more children into their home.

Nicolette added: “People need to approach fostering with a clear understanding of what it will be like and why they want to do it.

We became foster carers because we wanted to make a difference and I believe that we have done that with the children we have cared for so far.

“If anyone is considering becoming a foster carer, my advice would be to give it a shot. We did and it’s changed our lives for the better!”

If you would like to know more about becoming a Foster Carer with us, click here to apply online.]]> www.fosteringsolutions.com www.fosteringsolutions.com Thu, 12 Jul 2012 14:46:42 BST
Naz Nasar (33) became a foster carer with Fostering Solutions four years ago and has since gone on to care for three teenage girls.

Naz, who also has a six year old son, said: “Having been in care myself as a teenage girl I feel that I really understand what these girls are going through and can give them the help and support that they need.

“I initially began fostering as a single parent. My son was only a toddler and it seemed like an ideal time to open up my home to young women who needed it.

“So far I’ve looked after three girls and seeing the positive impact it has had on them has been incredibly rewarding and has reinforced all the reasons why I wanted to become a foster carer in the first place.”

Naz is a practising Muslim and is raising her son in the faith. Two of the girls who have stayed with her have also been Muslim, but her current placement isn’t, which has brought a new dynamic to the house.

Naz explained: “My latest placement isn’t a Muslim and hadn’t spoken to an Asian person before she met me. Now, after living with me and my son, she is learning about the culture, enjoying the traditional food I cook and broadening her outlook, which is great.”

Although Naz has fostered on her own for the last four years, she has recently married and her husband, Abbas Amin, is now going through the process to become a foster carer with her.

Naz again: “When I met Abbas he knew that fostering was really important and fortunately he has embraced the opportunity to become a carer himself. He’s seen the important role I play in the lives of the girls that come to stay and how much I get out of it.

“Fostering isn’t an easy job. You have to go in it for the right reasons and have a lot of determination and patience. But I’d say to anyone considering becoming a foster carer ‘give it a shot’.”

If you would like to know more about becoming a Foster Carer with us, click here to apply online.]]> www.fosteringsolutions.com www.fosteringsolutions.com Thu, 12 Jul 2012 14:39:58 BST
They were inspired to give it a shot when they saw a story on TV about three orphaned children who had been separated over Christmas.

Mary explains: “When we saw the plight of those three children we were really moved by it and felt that, given the opportunity, we could have helped them.

We had three children of our own but felt that there were so many more who we could provide a loving home to.

“We had previously looked into adoption but felt we couldn’t afford to do it, but once we looked into fostering and realised that we would be paid for doing it, it seemed like the perfect way for us to provide a loving home for children who really need it.”

Over the last ten years Mary and Les, who are both in their 60s, have provided foster care to 17 children, ranging in age from just a few months old to late teens. Some have been teenage mothers who have stayed in the care of the Pitmans along with their babies.

“Some mums and their babies have stayed with us for as little as a month, one stayed with us for eight months along with her premature baby who weighed four pounds at birth. It can be challenging at times, but knowing that you’re providing a stable and safe environment for young people when they really need it is incredibly rewarding.”

Mary added: “We’ve also looked after a number of children with disabilities – some on a long-term basis and others on a very short-term basis to provide respite for other carers.

“The two children we’re currently looking after, a boy and a girl, have been with us for five years and they both have severe learning disabilities. Since coming to stay with us they have both progressed so much and have really flourished, which is just so rewarding.

“The boy is severely autistic and when he came to us aged seven, he couldn’t talk and was incontinent. He is now speaking, can use a computer and can go to the toilet twice a day. It gives us a lot of satisfaction to know we are helping him with his development.”

The couple, who are both now close to retirement age, hope to continue fostering for another five years. Having got so much out of their experience they hope that more people will choose to foster.

Mary said: “We’ve faced challenges, because every child is unique and comes with his or her own experiences, but when you see that the care and support you’re providing to them is having a positive impact on their lives, it makes it all worthwhile.

“If anyone is considering becoming a foster carer, my advice would be to give it a shot. We did and it’s changed our lives for the better!”

If you would like to know more about becoming a Foster Carer with us, click here to apply online.]]> www.fosteringsolutions.com www.fosteringsolutions.com Thu, 12 Jul 2012 14:33:23 BST
The couple had always thought about fostering but never made the initial step. They were finally inspired to become foster carers after seeing an advert for Fostering Solutions in the local paper. “We had just bought a new house and our children had both moved on and so we found ourselves ready for a new challenge,” Joy explained.

“The whole family has been behind our decision to foster and they get involved as often as they can. It can be difficult at times, especially as some children often have emotional or behavioural problems. As carers and a family we love welcoming these vulnerable children into our home and sharing a loving family environment with them. It’s very rewarding to see these children move past their issues and to move on with our help love and support.”

“The most important thing for us is that we work as a team. Myself, Stephen and our two adult daughters all work together to make sure that we provide the children who come into our care a stable, loving and structured environment.”

So far the couple has fostered 18 children and have no plans to stop.
“Our advice to anyone who is considering fostering is to go for it and give it a shot. There is a huge support team around you who become not only friends but extended family. They are there for you when needed for advice or someone just to listen.”

“Even if you only foster one child knowing the difference you have made to their life both now and in the future – is huge. It’s a great thing to do and we would recommend it to anyone!”

If you would like to know more about becoming a Foster Carer with us, click here to apply online.]]> www.fosteringsolutions.com www.fosteringsolutions.com Thu, 12 Jul 2012 14:12:23 BST
Running the Jane Tomlinson Leeds 10k race to raise funds for the Macmillan Cancer Support charity, Beth and Sean completed the gruelling race in an impressive 54.22 mins and 48.50mins respecitvely and to date have raised over £400 for the charity.

Beth, who is based at Fostering Solutions regional office at Elland, spoke of her achievement "MacMillan supports so many families and people who suffer from cancer, so being able to give back to them for all they did for my grandma and my family was an amazing feeling. We've raised a lot of money so far, but would welcome donations from anyone for this worthy cause".

If you would like to donate to Beth's fundraising page, please go to Just Giving before October 2012.]]> www.fosteringsolutions.com www.fosteringsolutions.com Mon, 09 Jul 2012 14:41:52 BST
The combination of the two organisations will offer an even more comprehensive fostering service to the 470 children and young people in care in Cambridgeshire.

Neil Banks, Operations Manager at the Over office commented “my colleagues and I are looking forward to working with our new colleagues at Fostering Solutions. It is an exciting time for us all as we continue to develop our service and cement Fostering Solutions place as one of the leading independent foster care agencies in the UK”.

Vince McGrath, Regional Service Manager for the Eastern region of Fostering Solutions is equally enthusiastic, “it’s a time of great opportunity for us to make a real difference to the lives of the children and young people who come to live with our foster carers and hope to encourage other people living in Cambridgeshire to become Foster Carers. They will make a life change”.]]> www.fosteringsolutions.com www.fosteringsolutions.com Tue, 19 Jun 2012 13:23:02 BST
‘A National Voice’ is an organisation run by and for young people who are in care or are leaving care and the ‘LILAC’ assessment is a project run by them, using their expertise and experience of the care system to improve the policy and practices of foster care agencies, such as Fostering Solutions.

The assessment focuses on how children in care and care leavers are involved and consulted and the assessors deliver training on participation and the LILAC Standards of ‘Shared Values’, ‘Style of Leadership’, ‘Structures’, ‘Staff’, ‘Recruitment & Selection’, ‘Care Planning & Review’ and ‘Complaints & Advocacy’.

Using Fostering Solutions’ policies and procedures, LILAC assessors spent three days at Fostering Solutions North West offices, conducting group and individual interviews with twenty two young people, thirty two foster carers and seventeen staff.

Using the responses of the interviewees, together with over a hundred additional questionnaires, the team concluded that Fostering Solutions had “achieved five of the seven LILAC standards; a great achievement”.

The two good practice proposals to achieve all seven standards are being addressed.

The assessors concluded “Fostering Solutions is committed to enhancing the opportunities for children and young people to participate in decision-making and the other processes that affect their lives”, a view endorsed by Foster Carers, foster children and staff who took part in the assessment process.]]> www.fosteringsolutions.com www.fosteringsolutions.com Tue, 19 Jun 2012 13:08:40 BST
Aboard the double decker 'Fish4Jobs' bus will be Hayley Taylor, recruitment expert who is well known as Channel 4's 'Fairy Jobmother'.

Hayley will be accompanied by representatives of Fostering Solutions who will be happy to chat, informally, about the role of a Foster Carer and the comprehensive training and support Fostering Solutions offers.

Fostering children and young people makes a positive change to their lives and to yours too. If you feel you could make a life change, why not hop on board the bus at the following venues:

Sunday 17th June Cardiff , Monday 18th June we'll be in Birmingham, Tuesday 19th June, the bus will be in Leeds and on Wednesday 20th June, we'll be in Liverpool . Manchester is our venue for Thursday 21st June and then we head off to Newcastle on Saturday 23rd June finishing our week in Glasgow on Sunday 24th June.

If the bus isn't coming to a town near you, but you would like to find out more about this rewarding career, please have a look at our website and apply online or call 08453 700 500 where a member of our friendly Carer Recruitment Team will be pleased to speak with you.]]> www.fosteringsolutions.com www.fosteringsolutions.com Thu, 14 Jun 2012 11:08:48 BST
Ten years ago, Tonia who was Assistant Head Teacher at John Hanson Community School in Andover, Hampshire, tragically lost her life to breast cancer.

To mark the tenth anniversary and raise much needed funds for the charity Cancer Research UK, Emma and Kate decided to do not one Race for Life, but ten!

After training hard and recruiting lots of team members along the way, including their husbands, their dad, and friends and family, the eleven lady runners of 'Team Tonia', undertook the first race in Hyde Park on 27th May; the hottest day of the year to date!

After the event, Emma spoke of her delight at the support they received, "There was no shade from the intense sunshine, but the cheers from other runners, the crowds and from an elderly race marshall who distracted us by dancing to Lady Gaga as we ran past, made it a really memorable occasion and the atmosphere was brilliant! Now, it's back to training for the next race in Swindon!".

Follow Team Tonia's blog here .

If you wish to help Team Tonia, click here to donate.

Forthcoming races:
9th June - Swindon
17th June - Bournemouth
20th June - Basingstoke
24th June - Poole
1st July - Salisbury
8th July - Southampton
15th July - Oxford
22nd July - Portsmouth
29th July - Isle of Wight.
Please come along and support us!]]> www.fosteringsolutions.co.uk www.fosteringsolutions.co.uk Mon, 28 May 2012 13:11:49 BST
On Friday 1st June, Glasgow residents are invited to join us at the Whole Foods Market in the city from midday to 3pm.

Bank Holiday Monday (4th June), we'll be at the Rainhill Gala in Merseyside and at the Surrey County Show .

Fostering Solutions staff at our Merseyside Office invite you to come along to our offices in Smithdown Road, Wavertree, on either 6th June or the 21st June .

Come rain or sun, we are supporting lots of local shows and fairs during June, so please come and meet us at the following events:
Staffordshire County Show on 6th and 7th June, Blackpool Pride on 9th June, Cheadle Hulme's Oak Meadow Party in the Park on the 16th June. Manchester residents attending the LGBT Community Festival in Richmond Street, on 16th June, will be very welcome at the Fostering Solutions stand as will those attending the Summer Fair at the Bishop Martin Church of England Primary School from 11am to 3pm on 16th June.

Nowton Park Country Fair in Bury St Edmunds promises to be a fun day out for all the family on Sunday 17th June and we'll be there from 11am to 5pm.

The Cheshire Show on the 19th & 20th June will be a great event for all, so don't miss out on meeting us there!

Liverpool One Shopping Centre and Albert Square in Manchester take place on 20th and 21st June respectively so why not come and meet Fostering Solutions staff and Foster Carers to find out about the rewarding career that awaits you in fostering.

We're looking forward to attending Africa Oy'e festival on 23rd June and also Oldham People's Carnival on Sunday 24th June.

If you live in North Wales and would like to visit us at our Wrexham office on Wednesday 27th June, you will be most welcome, as shall residents of Cambridgeshire at our office in Over on the 28th June.

Last, but definitely not least, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance 5th Birthday Event at Popham Airfield, Winchester on Saturday 30th June promises to be an action packed day with attractions for all the family (including the Fostering Solutions stand!). You can even bring your pet pooch!

For further information on Fostering Solutions events in July and beyond, click here. ]]> www.fosteringsolutions.com www.fosteringsolutions.com Mon, 28 May 2012 11:43:41 BST
In a bid to raise £5,000 for the Help for Heroes charity, Glynn drove from his home in Denbigh, North Wales to Benidorm and back in a specially decorated 'banger', completing the round trip in seven days.

"I drove down there with a friend, dressed in fancy dress! My wife joined us in Benidorm and she and I spent a couple of days there before driving home. In total, we drove 3160 miles and spent £300 on fuel!"

Fostering Solutions was delighted to support the venture and Glynn is keen to stress that the whole trip was self-funded "all sponsorship money and donations will go direct to the charity".

Far from being a 'one-off' event, Glynn and his wife plan to do it all over again in September "I want to raise £5,000 and have managed £2,000 so far, so another trip should help us reach that magic figure".

If you wish to sponsor Glynn, please go to Be My Charity / Glynn McIntyre

Why not join our team of Foster Carers and change a life apply here or call 08453 700500 today!]]> www.fosteringsolutions.com www.fosteringsolutions.com Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 BST
Every 22 minutes in every 24 hours, a frightened, lonely and possibly distressed child or young person will be relying on the help of people they've never met; Foster Carers.

Our Foster Carers provide secure, stable and supportive homes to children and young people. If you could do the same, don't hesitate to contact us on 08453 700 500 or click here, please don't wait another 22 minutes, contact us now!]]> www.fosteringsolutions.com www.fosteringsolutions.com Mon, 21 May 2012 13:00:58 BST
Nettie, Tony and their own children joined together to provide him with the supportive and loving home he desperately needed, giving him all the opportunities they could to enable him to achieve his goals and become what his teachers describe as a "humourous and kind" young adult.

Whilst their role as Foster Carers has had its challenges, Nettie says "it has been a pleasure and a privilege to care for someone as special as him and he will remain at home with us until he is ready to embark on independent living." Nettie is keen to point out that the family has "benefitted from the support, comprehensive training and guidance from our supervising social worker and staff at Fostering Soltutions, and also the support from our fellow Foster Carers".

Sixth form education now awaits their happy and well adjusted foster child and he will continue to be supported in education for as long as he needs.

If you would like help a young person just as Nettie and Tony have, please apply to become part of the Fostering Solutions family here]]> http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=48 http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=48 Mon, 21 May 2012 12:40:51 BST
Called ‘Give it a Shot’, the campaign aims to encourage people to give fostering a try and see how they can provide their homes, time and commitment to the 8,750 children in the UK who are currently in need of foster care.

Sophie, who works for leading agency Fostering Solutions alongside her Paralympic shot-putt career, is currently ranked number one in Europe and fifth in the world in her event category. She is giving her support to the campaign and will be appearing on promotional posters in towns and cities througout the UK.

Sophie said: “I’ve been working with foster carers for over nine years now and the main piece of advice they give to those who haven’t fostered before is to just give it a shot. So we’re spreading that message across UK towns and hoping that more people will open up their homes to local children who need foster care.
“You don’t need qualifications to foster a child, just a spare room and a desire to help young people.”

Maxine Maywand, who provides foster care to children in Huddersfield through Fostering Solutions, agrees that more people should give it a try. “I started fostering six years ago and found the experience really rewarding. I’ve now fostered three children and have no plans to stop now.

“It’s great that Sophie is lending her support to the recruitment drive. She’s overcome a lot of challenges to succeed, much like the young people who go through foster care, so I hope she will inspire more people to give their time and home to someone who really needs it.”]]> www.fosteringsolutions.com www.fosteringsolutions.com Tue, 15 May 2012 11:47:21 BST
For Fostering Solutions North West, this is the third time in a row and for the Fostering Solutions Midlands, the second.

“The fostering inspections were conducted using the new higher benchmark standards so understandably the visits were met with some trepidation” explained Fostering Solutions director of operations, John Keane. “I’m delighted by the results as it recognises our continued commitment to providing outstanding foster care. My thanks go to each and every foster carer and member of staff who work tirelessly to give vulnerable young people a proper, supportive and caring foster home”.

If you would like to become a foster carer with Fostering Solutions and join our outstanding fostering team, contact our Fostering Information Team on 0845 505 1294 or register your interest online today.]]> www.fosteringsolutions.com www.fosteringsolutions.com Wed, 21 Mar 2012 10:41:44 GMT
Liam's speech highlighted the urgent need for people in West Sussex to change a life by becoming a Foster Carer.

In any one day, there are 750 children in care in West Sussex and Fostering Solutions is encouraging people to consider this rewarding career.

Dawn Dunn, Operations Manager for the South Coast explains "there are many myths surrounding who can foster. It doesn't matter if you're single, co-habiting, married, live in rented accommodation or practice any religion. What children and young people in West, and indeed East, Sussex need are Foster Carers who can meet their needs. The children and young people in our care come from diverse backgrounds and we need Foster Carers to match."

So, if you have childcare experience and a spare bedroom for a child to call their own, why not apply online here right now!]]> http://www.fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/become/application/applicationPart1.php http://www.fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/become/application/applicationPart1.php Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 BST
“The atmosphere was fantastic. If you'd never done Zumba before or if you absolutely love it, then you had a real treat!” explained organiser Fiona Gray

Fostering Solutions, pledged its support to the event and a number of staff took their trainers to the event and joined in.

Lisa Young, acting operations manager for Fostering Solutions explained why her foster care agency was so keen to take part; “Zumba is a great way to keep fit and we are always looking at ways to encourage young people to stay healthy. When we heard about Fiona’s plans for a Zumbathon to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, we couldn’t wait to get involved”.

To date, Fiona has raised £1057 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

If you would still like to help Fiona with her fundraising, donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/FionaZumba.
To receive a free information pack and DVD all about becoming a Foster Carer, visit www.fosteringsolutions.com or phone 0845 505 1294.]]> http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=41 http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=41 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 BST
Leading independent foster care agency Fostering Solutions is responding to this crisis by stepping up efforts to recruit the urgently needed Foster Carers.

John Keane, Director of Operations for Fostering Solutions comments “we will play a major role in redressing the balance and recruit, train and support Foster Carers to provide stable, secure and appropriate homes for vulnerable children and young people in the care system”.

Fostering Solutions has offices throughout the UK and holds successful information events in convenient locations for people to find out more about this rewarding work.

John explains “people who have thought about becoming a Foster Carer are sometimes put off by popular misconceptions. Speaking with our Foster Carers and Social Workers puts their minds at rest and many of them decide to become Foster Carers with Fostering Solutions”.

If you would like to find out what it’s really like to foster children and young people in your home, why not pop along to one of the Fostering Solutions information events. For further information, please click on our 'EVENTS////' listings on the bottom right hand side of this page.

Applications are welcome from people from all backgrounds but you will need a spare bedroom in your home for your foster child to call their own.]]> http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=40 http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=40 Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:07:50 GMT
Saad’s parents Umer and Kanwal have fostered over 30 children and young people since becoming foster carers with Fostering Solutions and their long standing commitment to the youngsters in their care was rewarded by a generous sponsorship donation towards the tour.

A pupil at Parrenthorn High School in Prestwich, Saad began his cricketing career aged 9 and his ambition is to become a “good all round player”.

Speaking of the tour which took place last April, Saad felt the tour a “once in a lifetime opportunity and a step forward in realising my ambition of becoming a professional cricketer”.

Saad is equally enthusiastic about being part of a foster family “I feel proud because fostering helps children and knowing I am part of that makes me very happy”.

Umer is full of praise for his talented son and also for Fostering Solutions “from day one, we have been given training and nurturing to help us become confident and competent carers.”

The last word goes to John Keane, director at Fostering Solutions “we are delighted to be able to help young people achieve their goals and it’s vital to us that we support not only those directly in our care, but also the wider community. It’s a pleasure to help Saad and we wish him great success”.

Visit the Lancashire County Cricket website at www.lccc.co.uk or telephone 0161 282 4037]]> http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=39 http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=39 Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:59:04 GMT
As Louise Hernon, director at Fostering Solutions explains “being a foster carer is not about having professional qualifications, being married or having lots of your own children; it’s about giving your foster child a warm, stable home and a bedroom to call their own. It’s about giving them space, time, support and encouragement to enable them to enjoy their lives and achieve their goals”.

Foster Carers looking after children with Fostering Solutions receive a generous allowance and fee, excellent training and 24 hour support.

Children and young people in care urgently need foster carers across the UK and particularly in Yorkshire, Cheshire, West Sussex and London.

If you would like to find out more about becoming a foster carer, please contact our Carer Recruitment Team on 08453 700 500 or browse our website and apply online at fosteringsolutions.com.]]> http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=38 http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=38 Tue, 20 Dec 2011 14:38:11 GMT The Big Bumper Children In Need Quiz was entered by Fostering Solutions Staff all over the UK, Scotland and Wales with the proceeds going towards the BBC charity.
Our Yorkshire office also got involved by holding a lucky dip and in Bolton, all staff went ‘Spotty’ for the day.
In total so far, we have raised over £210 which will go towards children’s projects all across the UK.]]> http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=33 http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=33 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:01:20 GMT
Shine has a unique approach to fundraising for cancer research as it allows people to choose to raise money for a specific type of cancer. Jayne, a Supervising Social Worker attached to the Banbury office decided to raise money specifically for breast cancer research spoke of the 26.2 mile marathon through the streets of London “ The last 4 miles felt like eternity and I no longer have feet, just a mass of blisters!! But it’s all for a good cause”.

To date, Jayne and her partner have raised over £2,000 for this extremely worthy cause and Fostering Solutions is delighted to have been able to make a contribution to this figure. If you would like to make a donation, you can do so online at www.sponsormetoshine.org/jaynepinnington.]]> www.sponsormetoshine.org/jaynepinnington www.sponsormetoshine.org/jaynepinnington Mon, 17 Oct 2011 11:54:56 BST
The end of the seven year lease at offices in Oakmount Road, Chandlers Ford prompted Fostering Solutions to look for new premises and they were fortunate to find a brand new office that met all their requirements, at Poles Copse, Poles Lane on the edge of the village.

Speaking from their bright, spacious office in Suite 3 of the building, operations manager, Kevin Stares commented “the offices are friendly and welcoming with plentiful parking and lovely rural surroundings. The owners of Poles Copse have been so helpful and proactive in settling us into our new space, we couldn’t wish for a nicer place to work ”.

Birthplace of England and Surrey cricketer, Chris Tremlett, Otterbourne boasts a number of illustrious former residents such as novelist Charlotte Yonge and poet and hymn writer John Keble after whom Keble College in Oxford is named but the most famous of all residents is Sir Isaac Newton who lived at the village’s Cranbury Park Estate until his death in 1727.

An open day was held on the 9th November and staff welcomed Foster Carers and colleagues from all over the south, from Brighton and West Sussex to Bath.

If you are interested in becoming a Foster Carer with Fostering Solutions please have a look at our website and apply online or contact our Carer Recruitment Team on 08753 700 500. Presently, there is demand for Foster Carers in the Brighton and West Sussex areas so we particularly welcome applicants from those areas.]]> http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=31 http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=31 Tue, 04 Oct 2011 10:38:21 BST
When Fostering Solutions placed its first child over 11 years ago, the aim was “to be the preferred agency providing a high quality, child centred service, investing in positive outcomes”. Despite many changes within foster care, this aim remains the same today.

The acquisition of Pathway Care evidences the agency’s commitment to investing in the future of Fostering Solutions. It enables the agency to extend and strengthen its national coverage in order to remain the preferred provider for local authorities throughout the UK. Increased resources will allow Fostering Solutions to remain a key player within the sector.

“Fostering Solutions is extremely proud of its reputation and highly values the work our Foster Carers and staff do on a daily basis to help support children and young people throughout the UK. However, we also recognise that in order to retain our reputation for quality and excellence, we must continue to grow and adapt” explains David Johnson, Managing Director of Fostering Solutions.

“We are therefore delighted to be welcoming Pathway Care. It is clear that both organisations are committed to providing high quality foster care to children and young people. Pathway Care’s outstanding reputation means that it fits with the values of Fostering Solutions and together, the two organisations will benefit from increased resources and expertise.”]]> http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=29 http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=29 Mon, 08 Aug 2011 14:20:32 BST The whole cycle ride took place in just one day (a gruelling 9 hours in the saddle!), the route taking in cities, towns and villages from Lymington, Southampton and Portsmouth in Hampshire to Freshwater, Newport, Cowes and Fishbourne on the Isle of Wight.
Luckily the weather behaved itself “it was just perfect, cloudy with a light breeze” said Tony “the sun came out for the last stretch of the ride, hence my red face ... or it could’ve been exhaustion ... cycling like that is enough to make anyone go red in the face!”.
Tony and his wife Sandi have been foster carers with Fostering Solutions since May 2000 and have provided a stable and supportive family home to all the children and young people for whom they’ve cared. Fostering Solutions is delighted to have been able to make a generous donation towards the excellent £350 sponsorship money raised by Tony’s hard work.
Tony is justly pleased with his achievement “I am much fitter and looking forward to my next goal; The Three Peaks Challenge raising money for Cancer Research...if anyone would like to join me....!”.]]> http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=28 http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=28 Wed, 29 Jun 2011 13:03:27 BST Fostering Solutions’ staff, social workers and Foster carers all came together for the two conferences, the first at London’s Earls Court on Thursday 26th May and the second at Manchester Piccadilly on Friday 27th May.
Holly introduced her concepts on constancy and permanency with a unique blend of personal experience, humour and practical advice. Delegates learnt the symptomatic behaviours of children and young people without constancy or permanency and how it can be restored to them. Drawing from her own experience with family and children in care, Holly explained basic treatment methods which Fostering Solutions foster carers could use.
The foster carers and staff found the conference informative and engaging, positive feedback included a Fostering Solutions carer who “had found today so informative, it’s like someone has turned the light on and I can’t wait to get home and put all this into practice”. A social worker said it was ‘probably the best training/course I have been on since I became a social worker. Fantastic!’
Holly now travels up to Edinburgh and will deliver her third and final conference with Fostering Solutions Scotland on the 8th June.
Thank you to all those who nominated foster carers, attended the conference and contributed to its great success.]]> http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=27 http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=27 Mon, 06 Jun 2011 11:47:20 BST
Pam's been a foster carer with Fostering Solutions for nearly ten years. Pam hadn't always dreamt of being a foster carer, she was busy raising her own family, but gradually she realised they needed her less and less and it was her 'time to care' and decided that fostering was for her!

Not sure how to go about becoming a foster carer, Pam was pleased to see a Fostering Solutions advert in her local newspaper. She dialled the number on the advert, chatted with the friendly staff in the Carer Recruitment team and within the blink of an eye her career as a foster carer began!

Since that day, Pam has provided a stable and supportive home to many children and young people from all sorts of backgrounds, learning so much along the way "you teach them things and they teach you things back, I've learnt so much from the people I've looked after, I wouldn't have missed it for the world".]]> http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=26 http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=26 Thu, 19 May 2011 14:24:36 BST
The DVD, entitled ‘We Care’, is designed to show that people from all backgrounds become foster carers. From the comfort of their own homes, foster carers talk about their experiences and the training and support they receive from Fostering Solutions. They talk about the care they provide for the children and young people and the pride they feel when a child or young person in their care achieves their goal.

Janet Cuffe, Service Manager with Fostering Solutions, feels the DVD will prove an invaluable aid for people who are deciding whether they should take the first steps towards become foster carers. “Anyone who’s interested in a career such as fostering needs to know what the role entails and the best people to tell them are our existing foster carers; they are the experts. We hope this DVD will enable people to make an informed choice to become a foster carer with Fostering Solutions”.

The release of the DVD is timed to coincide with the start of Foster Care Fortnight 2011 which runs from the 16th to 29th May. This year, Foster Care Fortnight’s them is “Fostering: time to care”, highlighting the urgent need for more foster carers throughout the United Kingdom.

There is an estimated shortage of over 10,000 foster carers in the UK. Presently, in Scotland, England and Wales, there are an estimated 55,600 children and young people living with approximately 43,300 carers. Fostering Solutions hopes the DVD will encourage many more people, from all backgrounds, to join their existing foster carers to provide caring and supportive homes for some of the 10,000 children and young people who are in desperate need of their support.

If you feel it’s your ‘time to care’ and would like to receive your copy of the ‘We Care’ DVD accompanied by a free informative ‘Guide to Fostering’ brochure then please call us on 08453 700 500 or request a copy from the link on our home page.]]> http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=25 http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=25 Fri, 13 May 2011 11:14:20 BST
Steady growth during the past eleven years, has ensured that Fostering Solutions is a robust and well respected organisation, proud to provide local support for its foster carers. The new office at 231 Middlewich Road means that social work and administrative staff will be in the heart of the Cheshire community.

Fostering Solutions recruits and trains its own foster carers to provide stable and nurturing foster homes for children and young people. Operations Manager for Cheshire, Cheryl Harris comments “We have an excellent team of foster carers in Cheshire and are very keen for more people to join our team. The children and young people in our care come from all sorts of backgrounds and have all sorts of needs and goals so we need carers from all sorts of backgrounds to care for them”.

Fostering Solutions foster carers enjoy comprehensive initial and on-going training together with a generous allowance and annual leave. In return, foster carers need to have child care skills and experience (gained either through caring for their own children or for other peoples’), a spare bedroom for the child or young person to call their own and a wish to make a positive difference to their lives.

If you could make a positive difference to a child or young person’s life and would like to consider becoming a foster carer, request the free ‘Guide to Fostering’ brochure by calling Fostering Solutions on 08453 700 500 or visiting www.fosteringsolutions.com.]]> http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=23 http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=23 Tue, 10 May 2011 12:02:05 BST ‘Grace 24’ is a project founded by Kevin’s daughter, Zoe, and her friends Jesca and Joseph Nyongesa to help people living in the area. Since its beginnings in March 2009, ‘Grace 24’ has assisted by providing funding for education, school books, uniforms and even two cows for the local school! Three of the five abandoned babies they’ve rescued and cared for have now been adopted by local families.
Funded by monthly sponsorship and donations from the UK and a church in Spain, ‘Grace 24’ has worked with people in the local community and provided them with basic health and dental care, baby massage and sewing machines to enable thirty people to learn tailoring skills.
Zoe and other members of Kevin’s family have suffered with Typhoid since being there so during his stay, Kevin and his wife Julie, built a clean water system using two barrels and a water filter. A simple but effective system to provide a regular supply of clean drinking water.
Kevin explained ‘Grace 24’s future plans; “There is a lot of work to do to construct the new ‘Centre’ building to provide accommodation for abandoned and vulnerable children. We need to drill a bore hole to supply water to the site and the list of jobs is a little overwhelming but this is an exciting project making a positive difference to vulnerable children and their families in this part of the world”.]]> http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=22 http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=22 Tue, 10 May 2011 12:00:38 BST
Many congratulations to you all!]]> http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=21 http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=21 Tue, 22 Mar 2011 13:42:06 GMT
The new DVD will allow prospective foster carers and their families to gain an insight into the realities of being a foster carer from the comfort of their own homes. Recently filmed, the ten minute long DVD features real life foster carers, their children and a young person who has recently left foster care telling of their individual experiences of fostering, both the challenges and the rewards.

It is hoped that this honest look at fostering will give interested people the encouragement they need to seriously consider becoming a foster carer.

The free DVD will be launched in May to celebrate this year’s Foster Care Fortnight and will be sent to anyone interested in fostering.]]> http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=20 http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=20 Wed, 16 Mar 2011 09:27:49 GMT
Fostering Solutions staff and its foster carers, who provide secure and nurturing homes to vulnerable young people the length and breadth of Wales, were interviewed. The inspector gauged the standard of care provided, not only to the children, but also the standard of care, guidance, training and support given to the foster carers by Fostering Solutions.

Using The Care Standards Act of 2000, The Fostering Services (Wales) Regulations 2003, the National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services plus Fostering Solutions own Statement of Purpose, the inspector gave her verdict “Fostering Solutions is an exceptionally child-centred organisation, outstanding in all aspects”.

The inspector’s praise was also given to Fostering Solutions as a whole: “Evidence gathered at this inspection has demonstrated that Fostering Solutions, both at an organisational and local level, strives to provide the highest standards of care to the children and young people using its service......the agency maintains a clear focus on promoting and safeguarding children’s welfare and on achieving positive outcomes”.

Kath Shickell, Operations Manager for Fostering Solutions in Wales spoke of her delight at the inspector’s comments “everyone associated with Fostering Solutions is dedicated to providing the best possible level of care for our children, young people and foster carers so the inspector’s comments are a very welcome recognition of that dedication. We are absolutely thrilled with the outcome!”

If you would like to know more about the invaluable work of Fostering Solutions foster carers please visit our website www.fosteringsolutions.com. You can apply to become a foster carer with Fostering Solutions via the website or telephone our friendly Carer Recruitment Team on 08453 700500.]]> http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=19 http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=19 Wed, 08 Dec 2010 10:06:32 GMT
Foster carers and staff of our Yorkshire, North East and Beverley region recently underwent an Ofsted inspection and we are delighted to say the Inspectors have rewarded their excellent work with a well deserved ‘Outstanding’ status.

Fostering Solutions’ Managing Director, David Johnson and Director of Operations, Bernie Gibson were quick to congratulate all the staff and carers for “another excellent outcome for the agency”.

The Ofsted report of this inspection will be available on the Fostering Solutions website as soon as it is available.]]> http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=16 http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=16 Thu, 23 Sep 2010 11:48:56 BST
Fostering Solutions grew steadily and in 2001, Michelle and Hilary welcomed their first member of social work staff, Bernie Gibson (now Director of Operations). 2002 saw the opening of the first regional office in Yorkshire and in 2003 we achieved the ‘Investors in People award. By 2004, Fostering Solutions had 200 dedicated and hardworking foster carers. That tiny office where it all started just couldn’t contain the growing numbers of office and field staff and new offices were sought. By 2005, the head office in Viking Street in Bolton was ours and the following year our carers were looking after over 400 children and young people.

With the ever growing number of carers, the first ‘Foster Carer Forum’ was held in 2007 and in that same year Fostering Solutions was recognised as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in the Midlands and North West of England. An incredible achievement thanks to our brilliant carers and staff.

Since those humble beginnings, Fostering Solutions has grown to be one of the UK’s leading independent fostering agencies. We have been re-awarded the Investors in People status, and the ‘Outstanding’ status in the North West. We have launched monthly newsletters for staff and quarterly newsletters carers, young people and children. We introduced the services of psychologists to help our carers who are now looking after in excess of 1,000 children and young people…..and we’ve achieved all this in just 10 years! So here’s to the next 10 years of Fostering Solutions, let’s make it even more special than the first 10 years!]]> http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=12 http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=12 Thu, 12 Aug 2010 12:06:53 BST http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=5 http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=5 Tue, 27 Apr 2010 14:52:16 BST http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=4 http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=4 Tue, 27 Apr 2010 14:51:30 BST
Careforward, based in Beverley in North Yorkshire, is an established and well respected foster care agency and is a very welcome addition to the organisation.

David Johnson, Managing Director of Fostering Solutions, spoke of the "exciting opportunity for Fostering Solutions to extend its Yorkshire / North East region with the benefit of Careforward's settled and experienced carers".]]> http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=1 http://fosteringsolutions.com/siteNorm/newsDetail.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=1 Tue, 27 Apr 2010 14:39:27 BST