At AFA Fostering, we are dedicated to ensuring the well-being and support of our Foster Parents. We understand that fostering can be both a rewarding and challenging journey, and we strive to provide the best possible resources and assistance to our Foster Parents and the children and young people in their care. Although we all recognise the importance of children ‘coming first’ we always say that our Foster Parents come ‘a close second’ as we all know that unless you are in ‘a good place’ you cannot be there for others. This is why we feel the support we give our Foster Parents is crucial if they are going to be available to the children in their care.
What we offer our Foster Parents at AFA Fostering:
Comprehensive Training and Development
We offer extensive training programs and learning resources to equip our Foster Parents with the necessary skills and knowledge they need to foster. From initial training sessions such as our Preparing to Foster training, to ongoing professional development, we cover a wide range of topics including trauma-informed care, using the Secure Base and PACE models, and how best to understand a child’s behaviour. Our goal is to empower our Foster Parents to approach the care with nurture and understanding and being able to handle various situations with confidence and competence.
Personalised Support and Guidance
Our Foster Parents are assigned a dedicated Social Worker who provides personalised support and guidance. Our Fostering Social Workers are always available to answer questions, provide advice, and offer emotional support. We believe that having a reliable, trusted point of contact is crucial for the success and stability of our fostering families.
Access to Resources and Services
We provide our Foster Parents with access to a wealth of resources and services. This includes access to therapeutic services, educational support for foster children, and stay overs to give our Foster Parents a much-needed break. We also offer financial support to help cover the costs associated with fostering.
Building a Community
At AFA Fostering, we understand the importance of community. We organise regular meetings and social events where our Foster Parents can connect, share experiences, and support each other. We are a small team with a strong value base who know one another and know our Foster Parents well, always being available to respond and support as individuals need. Building a strong network of Foster Parents creates a sense of belonging and mutual encouragement.
Commitment to Quality and Excellence
We are committed to maintaining high standards of care and continually improving our services. We regularly seek feedback from our Foster Parents and children and use this to enhance our training programs, support services, and overall approach. Our dedication to quality and excellence ensures that we provide the best possible fostering experience for both Foster Parents and our children and young people.
Join the AFA Fostering Family
If you are interested in becoming a Foster Parent or would like more information about our services, please contact us. Together, we can make a positive difference in the lives of children and families in need.