Professionalisation of foster care is the way ahead
For Love and Money, the theme of the Fostering Network's annual conference on 28 and 29 September, struck a chord.
The well chosen title stressed the motivation of foster carers who are inspired both by love and appropriate rewards and support, which recognises their growing professionalism.
More than 150 delegates at the London conference heard keynote speakers, foster carers and fostering service representatives discuss how these twin motivations can be successfully combined. It was an opportunity to show that professionalisation can be developed without losing the self-sacrifice and good will that foster carers bring to their job.
Jim Bond, chair of the Fostering Network's board of trustees told delegates: "You don't lose anything by recognising foster carers' skills and talents."
Sheila Patel, a trustee of the Fostering Network said she saw herself as a professional foster carer. She commented: "Foster caring was a choice that our family made. I am appraised once a year and that allows me to carry on fostering. I am not a baby sitter and this is not a pastime."
There were other keynote contributions from Paul Ennals, chief executive of the National Children's Bureau and John Coughlan, joint president of the Association of Directors of Children's Services in England. Tina Harrison of East Sussex Foster Care Association and Teresa Harris, practice manager of East Sussex County council described how FCAs could help foster carers, fostered children and social workers.
Some images from the conference
