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Social services

Celebrating the Power of Relationships in Fostering

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Throughout the fortnight, Walsall Council, in collaboration with The Fostering Network, is celebrating the important role of foster carers in society. The "Power of Relationships" theme highlights the strong bonds formed between carers, children, and young people, as well as the support from social workers and friendships within fostering communities. To mark this occasion, the council's fostering service is hosting a celebration event and drop-in sessions to raise awareness about fostering and express gratitude to carers.

Key Takeaways:

  • Walsall Council, in partnership with The Fostering Network, is celebrating Foster Care Fortnight with the theme "The Power of Relationships."
  • The campaign aims to highlight the life-changing relationships foster carers build with children in their care, as well as relationships within the fostering community, such as those fostered through the Mockingbird programme.
  • Colleen Male, executive director for children's services at Walsall Council, acknowledges the importance of foster carers in transforming children and young people's lives.
  • Walsall Council was the first local authority to implement the Mockingbird programme, an extended network of family support encouraging carers to empower and support each other.
  • Dave, a Walsall Council foster carer, shared his positive experience with the Mockingbird programme, citing the safe and non-judgmental space provided for foster carers to seek solutions and support each other.

Statistics:

  • The campaign is running throughout the fortnight, with a celebration event and drop-in sessions hosted by the council's fostering service.
  • The Mockingbird programme has been implemented in Walsall, with a focus on extended family support and empowering foster carers to support each other.
  • Walsall Council has a robust fostering service, with carers like Dave expressing their positive experiences with the Mockingbird programme.

Sources:

  • Walsall Council, "Foster Care Fortnight,"
  • The Fostering Network, "Foster Care Fortnight"
  • Walsall Council, Fostering page: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/fostering
  • Bloxwich Library, Elmore Row, Bloxwich, WS3 2HR
  • Walsall Manor Hospital, Moat Rd, Walsall WS2 9PS

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