Peer mentoring schemes can play a vital part in helping new foster carers to understand their role, says top charity the Fostering Network this week as it launches a new set of good practice guidelines.
Foster Carer Peer Mentoring is the first publication of its kind, offering advice and guidance on best practice for those setting up, running and participating in a one-to-one peer mentoring scheme.
Research undertaken by the Fostering Network found that while there is a wide range of peer support for foster carers already taking place across England, fewer than one in seven fostering services run formal peer mentoring schemes. The vast majority are therefore missing out on potential benefits to fostering services and their foster carers.
Foster carers have a great deal to offer less experienced foster carers or those new to fostering for their service, in terms of one-to-one emotional support and advice. Successful schemes can also improve the retention of foster carers and enhance the quality of care provided to children and young people through increased skills, confidence and motivation of foster carers.
The schemes, in which experienced foster carers support new recruits, will also help with the ongoing professional development of both mentors and mentees in accordance with the Training, Support and Development Standards for Foster Care in England.
Helen Clarke, development worker at the Fostering Network said: "For first-time foster carers and those needing support when a new child arrives, fostering can feel an isolating activity. Not having sufficient support can contribute to them choosing to stop fostering.
"Having the chance to be supported by another foster carer can make a real difference to a fostering career. These new guidelines will help fostering services explore, step by step, how to establish a peer support scheme that meets the needs of its foster carers."
For more information contact Angela King on 020 7620 6441