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TRANSCRIPT
Welcome to the April edition of your' newsletter! c)·
This month, you'll find feedback from the 'Foster Carers Talk-Time, Chatter Matters' sessions, thatwe ran in March. You asked plenty of questions, so we've put them all together with our answers andactions, so that you can see what was discussed.
,,~!here are a couple Of items on the new notice-board,jnduding dat~s\jlO~the Corporate ParentingII Launch on Friday 16 May and the Foster Carers Awards Ceremony on Friday 23 May.
On page 5, you'll find the latest training dates and a training brochures will be out this week.
As this is your newsletter, we're really keen to hear from you and include what you want to see. If youhave a newsworthy story that you want to share, you know of a really good activity for children and \I'
young people to take part in, or you even want to share a delicious recipe or recommend an excellentbook, let us know. All submissions can be sent to either Jenny or Mariana.
[email protected] I [email protected]
New publicity for recruitment campaign!At 'Foster Carers Talk-Time, Chatter Matters' we told you about our recruitment campaign and how we areworking hard to recruit new Foster Carers and encourage those thinking about adopting to do so through us.As part of this, we have rebranded our publicity and advertising materials. There is a new poster at the back ofthis newsletter and here is the finished design. We also have new email addresses for those who want tocontact us, [email protected] and [email protected]
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In need ofy(IJ •
Oon't wait. Call u. today on 0300 300 8090
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Edition 3, April 2014
SAVE THE"OATEI
Corporate Parenting Launch
Friday 16 May-12 noon onwards
We'll be launching the new CorporateParenting Service at Stephenson Courton Friday 16 May with a fun day. You'll
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receive an invite with 'full details soon •.~, , .' ~,
Foster Carers Awards' Ceremony~ 'II, H ~'j l~' ,,1 J,)\W ,W ..J.. , W· \~, '
Friday'.23 ,May~6pm onwardsJ •
You'll receive an invite with fulldetails soon.
po yoU t'I&'Ie anY babY and toddlerta'lS wat you no \OO8erneed?
If you do, we'd \:)e tlaPPYto gNeweill a t'lometWe're building up
our shared t(1f \:)O)C- fOr thechildren whO come to socialgroups, so anYdonations will \:)e
gratefU\\Y receNed(
Friends & Fa",,,)' dates
F&F SUPPOrt group10.30 - 12.00
Haynes \iiI/age Hal/, Haynes
7th June
6thSeptember
6thDecember
7th MarCh 2015
2
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Foster Carer's-rc"vr(i\
We would like to say a big thank you, to all of you who took the time to attend our Foster Carers Talk Time inMarch. The feedback that we got from you was incredibly useful and we're looking forward to the next timeyou join us.
To make sure all of our Foster Carers benefit from the success, here's a snapshot of some of the questionsthat were raised during our sessions.
If you have a question that you feel wasn't answered or you couldn't make the sessions we delivered, feelfree to drop us an email and we'll get back to you. The next dates will be announced soon!
Email [email protected]
What are CBCs expectations ofFoster Carers in return for the
scheme?
None, other than what you have already
agreed to do. This is to recognise the skills
in existence and the job being undertaken
You should be able gauge what tier you are on,
but official confirmation will be provided before
April 6
Can a Foster Carer be on more thatone Tier - e.g. Foster Carer caring
for a CSC child and caring foranother child under an SGO, one is
Tier 0 and the other Tier 1?
Under an SGO, the child is no longer classed asa LACunder the local Authority. The two wouldbe treated differently. If you apply for an SGO,you will lose Tier 1 or Tier 2. If you already havean SGO, you will receive neither. But you willreceive Tier 1 or 2 for the other child.
We will try to arrange more training
to take place an weekends and in the
evenings to make it more accessible
to working Foster Carers
A new Contact Supervisor has been appointedand will beworklng to reduce these travel times
to no more than 30 minutes. They will also look atwhere current contact takes place in relation to
where Foster Carers live.
4
\Ve asked what we could do to help you.You told us ...
Stop the distinction between 'professionals' and Foster Carers in documentation at it isunfair, suggesting Foster Carers are not professionals
Information about the child(ren) when placed needs to be improved ...
...And when a Foster Carers asks for specific piece of information about the child(ren),this should be provided in a timely manner
More continuity in general; policies, procedures, etc.
Adequate handovers need to take place between Social Workers. Often Foster Carersknow more about the child than the new Social Worker taking over the case
Help with Tax Returns, especially now the fees are in place
Make allowances for Foster Carers who are single and work full time in terms of meetingdates, training, etc.
Provide online training through Skype and/or You Tube
Provide a Creche during training sessions
Foster Carers who sign up to training should make sure they attend, unfair on those whodo
More training should be available on Saturdays
Mobile/flexible contact centres
Inform Foster Carers about the CBC transfer period asap
Be more transparent about the expectations on Foster Carers at assessment stage, e.g.travel to contact, attending court, etc. and ensure it's clear so it's not such a shock
Respite Placement meetings need to take place within five days
Matching Panel Outcomes - these need to be given to Foster Carers immediately wherethey impact directly on them
Creche Facilities should be provided at Support Groups
Support Groups need to be better supported by existing Foster Carers
Better communication to and amongst Foster Carers
sWewill be in touch to answerany questions that we haven't beenable to. We'll also let you knowwhen theTax Workshops are booked for, so you can get yourself a place.
You also askedabout the Transfer Protocol from the Fostering Network. You canaccess this here:http://www.fostering.netlsites/www.fostering.netlfiles/resources/good-practice-guidance/transfer-of-foster-carers-protocol-england-wales-feb-2012.pdf
If you want to ask us more questions, please get in touch!~~~~----------5
Training 2014 - 2015We were due to send you the new version of the training programme last week but de-cided it was worth waiting an extra week to add an exciting edition to our programme. It isnow with our printers and we will be sending you all a hard copy next week. If you don'treceive your copy then please do get in touch with Jenny Thornhill who will organise acopy to be sent to you:
Tel: 03003008090/ Email: [email protected]
In the meantime below is a list of what's coming up in April and May. With the Easter Holidays and Foster CarerFortnight taking two weeks out of each of these months we have just put on a few training sessions to keep youticking over. The fun really begins in June and July so keep an eye out for your training programme with furtherdetails.
April 2014
Saturday IChildcare emergency first aid lOam - 3pm IRufus Centre,26th April I Flitwick(last few spaces remaining)
Monday IEvidencing the standards; 9.30am - 12pm IWrest Park,
28th April standard 1 and 2 Silsoe
May 2014
Friday TSD drop in . 11.30am -1pm Salvation Army,(upstairs), Dunstable
Friday Delegated authority 10am - 12pm Wrest Park,
16th May Silsoe
Wednesday Childcare emergency first aid lOam - 3pm Rufus Centre,21st May Flitwick
Thursday Evidencing the standards; 9.30am - 12pm Wrest Park,22nd May
standard 3 and 4 Silsoe
New social groupWe are really pleased to let you all know that we have a new social group in Cardington starting next month. Hereare the dates for the next social groups happening in May, so get the dates in your diary for a well deserved cup oftea and a piece of cake!
9.30am - 11.45am 9.30am - 11.45am 9.30 - 11.45am
Cardington Village Hall, Salvation Army, Millbrook Village Hall,
Cardington, Bull Pond Lane, Dunstable, Sandhill Close, Millbrook,
MK44 3SX LUG 3AH MK452JD
6
Do you want to volunteer?
CEINITUL YOUTHYOLUINITEEIIIINIG PROJECT
March-May 2014If you are aged 13-18 and live in, or attend school,in Central Bedfordshire and want to volunteer theCentral Youth Volunteering Project is for you!
Volunteer for just 10 hours and gain anationally accredited awardl
rljV Volunteer Cettb-e
Bedford
CentralBedfordshireCouncilWoric.Jng In JMrtrutn.hlp
The Central Youth Volunteering Project is for young people aged 13-18 (or up to
25 for those with a disability) living, or attending school, in Central Bedfordshire. It
offers lots of different volunteering opportunities and the chance to be awarded a
nationally recognised award - perfect for listing on UCAS applications, CVs etc.
(See the vlnspired.com page at the back of this programme for more information.)
To volunteer at any of the opportunities you will first need.to register with the
Central Youth Volunteering Project. This is a simple registration form which can be
emailed or sent out in the post to you. To register contact Sarah:
[email protected] I 01234 213100 I 07508 113009
To keep up to date with all volunteering opportunities follow us:
Facebook: Central Youth Volunteering Project
Twitter: @volunteer13_18
Volunteering has so many benefits - see the icons below to see what you can gain
from each volunteering opportunity.
Help Your Community
Learn Something NewList on CV/UCAS
Freebies
What are you wai~ for? Start vo(unteertrg now~
r(ll~ At Volunteer~~V(j' c::::r:.~ :"'::'::'\":"":~:.,Il&.;,*,
European SocLaI FundInvesting In)Ot)a and aklU.
Ce~ralBedfordshireCouncilWondng 'n p.-rt~lp
EVENTS UNMAYAcmiYltstratbn Day at Volunteer
Cientre BedfordBuvket 00llevtbn for Sue Ryder at
Asda BggleswzdeSaturday 3rd May, 10am-4pm
Sue Ryder St Johns Hospice are looking forvolunteers to take part in a bucket collectionat Asda in Biggleswade4. Come along for anhour with a friend and help raise money for awonderful local charity!
Friday 30th May, 10am-3pm
Saturday 31st May, 9.30am-2.30pm
Volunteers needed to help out with varioustasks in the office of the Volunteer CentreBedford. Great work experience. Travelexpenses paid.
13 years + 13 years +
~~
Diamond Annrverszry Fun Day for Bedford s- Dtstr~tCierebral Palsy SocietySunday 4th May, 10am-3pm
Bodyflight Centre, Twinwoods, Bedford
(where Daniel Craig trained for Skyfall!)
Volunteers needed to help on various stalls (tombola, hook-a-duck etc) at a fun day for BDCPS.On the day there will be people taking part in a controlled freefall jump, indoor skydiving andsurfing-you'll get to watch all of this and help this local charity.Volunteers also needed to do face painting and hair braiding. Can youhelp? Mt-~~;;.,.
Travel expenses will be paid. Lunch and snacks provided.
13 years +
To sign up for any of these opportunities contact Sarah:
[email protected] I 01234 213100 I 07508 113009
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COMING UP THIS SUMMERD"()bl1NT~~R9l1ftfNG CARNfVAb ~~A~()N!••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• • •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• • • •• • • •: Flitwrk vamival : : Saroy (iamival
••••••••
Saturday 14th June
Times TBC
Saturday 14th June
Times TBC
Volunteers needed to help set up for the: Volunteers needed to help on a fundraising· .• stall at the Carnival for Sue Ryder 8t Johns••Carnival and various other tasks during
Hospice. : • the day.· .,.e: • ." •• • • •................................... ...~ .•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• • •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• • • •• • • •
: Ampthill Gala Day .::. Meet The HelrAlpter Day with the ..• •· : East At1Jlian Ar Ambulanre•••••••••••: Volunteers needed to help on a stall with
a raffle, tombola etc. There will be lots
Sunday 5th July
Ampthill Saturday 19th July
Times TBC Wardown Park, Luton
Volunteers needed to help on ourfundraising and promotion stall. The themefor this years Gala is "Musicals" so we willbe dressing up and having a lot of fun!
Times TBC
•••• : going on and the helicopter will be
• • • I d· I• • • an mg. •• • •• • • •• • • •• • • •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• • ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• •• •Sue Ryder Summer Fete
Sunday 10th August
Moggerhanger
Volunteers needed to help at Sue Ryders annual Summer Fete at St Johns Hospice,Moggerhanger. CYVP will be running their own stall with various fundraising games. It's a
really big event and will be a great day!• •• •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
To sign up for any of these opportunities contact Sarah:
[email protected] I 01234 213100 I 07508113009
Do you know young people aged I6-Z4who could benefit from improving their
independent living skiDs?
The courses will be
running in the following
locations beginning in
February 2014:
Dunstable! Houghton Regis
Venue: Yet to be confirmed!
YMCABedfordshire
Through practical and interactive smallgroup sessions, YMCA Bedfordshire willimprove participants skills and confidencein the following areas:
• Home maintenance! furnishing theirproperty
• Cooking and healthy eating
• Money and budgeting! Managing aproperty! maintaining a tenancy
• First aid! Health and safety
• Personal rights and responsibilitiesavoiding anti-social behaviour! maintain-ing positive relationships.
We will also be running specific sessionsfor young parents. A creche facility willbe available!
For further information about the independent
living skills courses, contact EveCarroll (Life Skills
Co-ordinator, YMCA Bedfordshire) via:
Phone: 07432 404 174
Email: [email protected]
CentralBedfordshireCounal
..
Independent Living SkillsShort Course ~If you aged between of 16-24 years old and would like to attend this course please fill
in the form below.REFERRAL FORM
COURSE CRITERIAYou must be either on the housing register, waiting to be housed or you are already currently
housed, OR accommodated in a hostel! temporary accommodation.
If you want to enrol on the course and can commit to attending8 sessions - 3 hours a week (one of these sessions would take place over 4 hrs to allow for
The First Aid Qualification to be delivered) then we would like to hear from you.
Course spaces are limited - up to 10 individuals PER COURSE.
Start Date: To he Confirmed
Name: Date of Birth:
Mobile! Contact telephone:
NI Number:
Current Accommodation:
Do you have any medical conditions we should be aware of? Yes/No
Please explain:
Is English your first language? Yes! No
If no what is your first language?
Is there anything that may prevent you from getting the most out of the course?
E.g. Mental health needs, learning difficulties, Literacy! numeracy difficulties Yes! No
Please give details:
Signature:
Name of Referrer: (If applicable)
Does you require Child Care during the course? Yes! No
Please email this form back to: Eve CarrollEmail: [email protected]
Life Skills Co-ordinator, YMCA Bedfordshire Foyer, Conduit Road, Bedford.MK40 1EQ Tel: 07432404174/01234220510
YMCABedfordshire
CentralBedfordshireCoundl
YMCABedfordshire YMCA Timetable - Independent Living Skills 16-24 years Programme
Dunstable - Thursdays PM Group
Centra IIBedfordshireCouncil
Wk 1 Thursday Wk 2 Thursday Wk3 Thursday Wk 4 Thursday Wk 5 Thursday Wk 6 Thursday Wk 7 Thursday Wk 8 ThursdayDate: 10th April 1ih April 24th April 1st May s" May is" May 22ndMay zs" May
Time: 4.30-7.30pm 4.30 -7.30pm 3.30 - 7.30pm 4.30 - 7.30pm 4.30 - 7.30pm 4.30 - 7.30pm 4.30 - 7.30pm 4.30 - 7.30pm(3hrs) (3hrs) (4 hrs) (3hrs) (3hrs) (3hrs)
Daytime session to bearranged(4hrs required todeliver the Every DayFirst Aid Course)
Venue Team Room Team Room Team Room Team Room Team Room Team Room Team Room Team Room2 Edward Street 2 Edward Street 2 Edward Street 2 Edward Street 2 Edward Street 2 Edward Street 2 Edward Street 2 Edward StreetDunstable Dunstable Dunstable Dunstable Dunstable Dunstable Dunstable DunstableLU61HF LU61HF LU61HF LU61HF LU61HF LU61HF LU61HF LU61HF
Course Introduction Healthy Eating / First Aid Home Personal Rights Health and Next Steps- ConsolidationSubject Budgeting/ Healthy Cooking Qualification Maintenance / and Safety - In the Where do I go Session - I
Covered Managing a 'Every Day First Aid' / Up Cycling / Responsibilities Home and from here- Completion ofproperty /
Delivered by BritishFurnishing your / Maintaining personal safety Personal Action CourseRedCross
Maintaining a property positive Plantenancy relationships /
Avoiding anti- -"social behaviour
I
If you've ever thought about fostering, now is the time to get in touch with us as we'd loveto hear from you. Every day, foster carers make a huge difference to the lives of thousandsof children and young people. You could be the person who makes that difference.
Don't wait. Call ustoday on 0300 300 8181
Agreat place to live and work.Find us online www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/fostering ® [email protected]