Our Welcome to Fostering Event for Foster Carers was held on Friday 19th May at Birmingham City Football Club. It coincided with the Fostering Network’s Foster Care Fortnight (15 – 28 May 2023).
The event welcomes newly approved carers and those who have completed a year of fostering to Birmingham Children’s Trust. It also celebrates being part of our fostering community and Birmingham’s Biggest Family!
The event recognises Mainstream and Connected Foster Carers, and the challenges of navigating being a new carer, their achievements, and the positive difference they are making in children and young people’s lives.
A short presentation was held in the morning with Team Managers reading out a synopsis of what each carer had already achieved since being approved before being presented with a certificate.
Afterwards there was plenty of time to mingle and network with staff and other foster carers, as well as to browse and chat to the staff on the marketplace stalls. There were a total of 15 different service stalls including, but not restricted to:
- Therapeutic Emotional Support Services (TESS)
- Virtual School
- The Fostering Network
- All Age Autism
- Special Guardianship Order (SGO) Support
- Children with Disabilities Team
- Birmingham Foster Care Association
- NHS Children in Care Nursing Team
- Multisystemic Therapy and Family Group Conference
- 18+ Care Leavers Service
The information stalls advised carers what support and other services were out there to help them in their role.
The day finished with sandwiches and cake, and a raffle draw with carers winning a great mixture of prizes for themselves and their children.
Feedback about the day has been positive with Jane Cook, Chair of the Birmingham Foster Carer Association saying: “It was a lovely day you did for all the carers, I think those who came along today really enjoyed it.”
