Focus Independent Adult Social Work C.I.C’s Post

If you work with families who are involved with children’s services in England you could join our special Kinship Care Week online drop in for professionals TOMORROW. Find out how our free advice service can benefit those who need it most. Hear from our expert advice team about how to refer our service - relevant to social workers, independent reviewing officers or those working in the advice or legal sectors. Members of our kinship carers panel will outline how they were supported, laying out the benefits of free, confidential contact. In 2023-2024, after calling our advice line:  81% of callers felt more able to understand the concerns of the social worker.  78% of callers felt that they had an improved understanding of children’s services procedures.  84% of callers felt more able to cope. Join us! https://lnkd.in/eSiaS9ru

Of course, I know it can be difficult to discuss perceivably personal things with parents / carers as, we all think we are the only one's to experience growing-up pains and easier to talk to a stranger / third party but, what has happened to family interpersonal relationships over the decades !? The post pubescent "Kevin" phase when "no-one knows noffink" about their 'teenage life and struggles' is sort of standard yet, little appreciation when you continue to rescue them stuck somewhere in the early hours of the morning when dumped by friends and no busses or money for taxi or even delivered home by the Police as a minor, maybe more than once....... Soooo, is it the judgmental attitudes of other, approval deprivation by parents or school or perceived peer pressure to conform or join-in with stupid is as stupid does activities or late development of positive self-image, self-esteem and self-worth failing to support self-advocacy of being who you are as a unique individual and part of a sub-community? https://lnkd.in/e3Wi_2rc

It is currently Foster Care Fortnight, so please do help spread the message on the amazing hard work and achievements by foster parents for children and young persons! For an excellent and relevant read, please see the link below to pre order a book from Ashley John-Baptiste. This shares Ashley's experiences and perspective with others. Great work from Ashley in writing this and covering difficult but important topics #fostercarefortnight #fostering #makeadifference #beaconfostering

Through the good and the bad days, finding a supportive community is what gets us through and lifts us up when we need support! Read more about Sarah's journey in her latest blog post "Lost My Glimmer". 💫 https://buff.ly/3L5h5FH #PTSDawareness #mentalhealthmatters #recoveryjourney #MentalHealthAwareness #AddictionRecovery #PTSDsupport

I fully appreciate that some people don't like certain animals, and may have allergies or fears that will impact on the professional's decision to visit the family or individual and there may be negotiations around the parameters of the home visit where an animal companion shares the same living space. I think it is reasonable for teams to navigate the complexities of all cases and make decisions that include the best interests of the professional where there is a need to visit the family, including their safety and well-being. You don’t have to be an ‘animal person’ to appreciate the human-animal bond. It’s more about being a responsible professional and appreciate that the decisions people make reflect the bond they have with their pets. Just asking about their animal companion not only builds rapport but can give clues about family functioning and dynamics. While 49% of pet carers in the UK consider their companion animal/s as family, if we are truly being relationship-based in our approach, then it should be mandatory to ask questions about ALL family members, irrespective of species. 🐾

Interesting read 📚

This version of our First Aid guide is in Braille. It is important that everyone is given the opportunity to learn essential life skills. It also allows a child to share their experiences with a family member who reads Braille. This is not about ticking boxes, it is about doing what is right. #inclusivity #opportunities #community #stage1braille #stage2braille

It's brilliant to see your team focusing on compassion fatigue, an issue crucial in foster care where caring for trauma-affected children, though rewarding, demands immense emotional energy. The brain, incredibly adaptive, faces significant stress during prolonged caregiving. It releases oxytocin to enhance bonding but also triggers stress responses like cortisol release, potentially causing emotional and physical fatigue. Understanding these neurological effects is vital. Without proper support, foster carers risk allostatic load—chronic stress's wear and tear affecting health and emotional reserves necessary for effective fostering. Implementing stress management strategies, accessing support systems like social workers and peer groups, and ensuring time for emotional and physical rejuvenation can alleviate compassion fatigue symptoms. Knowing Alison and Angela, I'm know your commitment to carer wellbeing is a priority, so clearly evidenced by the extensive resources on your website: https://lnkd.in/dUhRwvEZ If I were considering fostering, your team would be my first choice! ⭐ 😍

What is the difference between supervised contact and supported contact? 👉🏻 Supervised contact provides a secure environment where children can spend time with a non-resident parent or other significant family members under the careful observation of trained professionals. This type of contact is essential when there are concerns about the child’s safety or well-being, or when a court mandates supervision. Our staff ensure the child's needs are prioritised, offering a safe and structured setting for family interactions. 👉🏻 Supported contact offers a less formal but still structured environment where children can meet with their non-resident parent or family members. Staff are still present and available to assist and this can take place in the centre or in the community. This type of contact is suitable when there are no significant safety concerns, and the focus is on helping families rebuild relationships and trust in a more relaxed setting. Find out more on our website: https://lnkd.in/exbGCWfZ #Childcontact #SouthTyneside #ContactServices #SocialWork

💡 When families step up to care for relative kin, they often do so informally, without the benefit of professional guidance, government or state involvement, or crucial resources like financial and medical assistance. 💡 While some families are equipped to handle this responsibility independently, many are not -and it’s important to recognize that Formal Kinship Care can provide significant advantages for those who pursue it. 💡 By choosing Formal Kinship Care, families gain access to not only the dedicated support of our agency but also to the collective expertise of our team through educational workshops, family support groups, informational sessions, and more. 💡 If you or someone you know is in need of support on their Kinship Care journey, we encourage you to reach out to us today. #LoftusVergariAndAssociates #LVA #Kinship #Informal #Formal #FamilySupport #NEPA