Fostering news from Dorset Council - April 2024

This is Dorset Council's fostering e-newsletter, where we share stories and useful information about fostering, whether you are a carer or just want to find out more. Please email us
if there is anything you would like to see included in the next edition.
mailto:fosteringadmin@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk?subject=RSVP%20to%20award%20ceremony
** Why we foster siblings
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Many children enter care with their siblings, and we strive to keep them together whenever possible. To achieve this, we require additional foster carers who have room in their hearts and homes to welcome sibling groups.
Nikki has been fostering with Dorset Council for five years. In this period, she has provided long-term foster care to two sisters. They came to her at the ages of nine and six and were instantly embraced as part of her family.
Read Nikki's story
mailto:fosteringadmin@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk?subject=RSVP%20to%20award%20ceremony
** Dorset Foster Carer and Supported Lodgings annual award ceremony
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The award ceremony is fast approaching and we cannot wait to celebrate YOU and your remarkable contributions to the children and young people of Dorset.
Our keynote speaker is Luke Rodgers, BEM, Chief Executive Officer of The Care Leaders. For details about his work with care leavers and foster carers, please click here
We'll also have a brilliant selection of raffle prizes up for grabs, including:
* Groves Garden Centre voucher
* ‘Xtreme’ Dorset Falconry Park family ticket
* 2x Dorchester Museum tickets
* Monkey World family ticket
* Family ticket to the ancient technology centre
* Wash cut and blow dry voucher at Afina hairdressers
* John Lewis voucher
* Hall & Woodhouse voucher
* Bridport Leisure Centre 7-day pass and family swim voucher
If you are yet to RSVP for the awards, click here
. We look forward to seeing you there.
mailto:fosteringadmin@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk?subject=RSVP%20to%20award%20ceremony
** Families First for Children: Kinship Care
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Families First for Children is the name the UK Government is using for its project to implement significant reforms to Family Help, child protection, kinship care, and safeguarding partners. All with the aim of ensuring families are better supported.
As part of our work, we have developed – with our Kinship Care Reference Group – a Family Networks and Kinship Strategy which recognises the unique needs of our Kinship Carers.
On Friday last week we worked together to finalise a Kinship Charter – to be known as The Dorset Kinship Promise. We also received comments on the Guide to Kinship Care and tested out the format of a new kinship assessment.
This single assessment meets the requirements for both Special Guardianship Assessments and Kinship Foster Carer Assessments, meaning that only one assessment will be required.
We are hugely grateful to the members of The Kinship Care Reference Group, for sharing their stories and experiences, their knowledge and understanding, and their time and expertise to ensure that the Dorset Kinship Care Service is built on love and kindness, and by those with lived experience.
mailto:fosteringadmin@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk?subject=RSVP%20to%20award%20ceremony
** Walk with us in Dorchester
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We'd like to invite you to join us on Sunday 19^th May at 11am for a group dog walk along ‘Ratty’s Trail’ in Dorchester. Don't have a dog? You're still welcome to attend.
We will be meeting at the Roman Town House, Dorchester, before heading around the circular route along the River Frome. We will finish the walk back at the Roman Town House. More information on the route can be found at: Ratty’s Trail - Discover Dorchester
There will be free parking available on the day at County Hall, with the barriers lifted for access.
All our foster and supported lodgings families are welcome to attend – you do not need to register to join, just arrive at 11am on the day.
mailto:fosteringadmin@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk?subject=RSVP%20to%20award%20ceremony
** Family picnic in Weymouth
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The team will be hosting a family picnic at Lodmoor Park, Weymouth, on Saturday 25^th May at 12pm for all
our fostering and supported lodgings families.
We will be meeting at the ‘events area’, which is the large grass space hosting the model railway and there will be some garden games to enjoy.
Bring a picnic and a blanket and we will see you there!
mailto:fosteringadmin@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk?subject=RSVP%20to%20award%20ceremony
** Join us online for the foster carers forum
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Join us on Wednesday 8th May, from 10am to 1pm, for our virtual foster carers forum. We will discuss key service updates and provide an opportunity for you to share your feedback on what is or isn't working well.
No need to RSVP, just click the button to join our live Teams session.
Click to join us on 8th May
mailto:fosteringadmin@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk?subject=RSVP%20to%20award%20ceremony
The follow training is now available. Please click the links to find out more about each course.
Overcoming the challenges of today's teens with today’s drugs
9 & 16 October 2024 9.30 – 13.00 Dorset History Centre, Dorchester
Overcoming the challenges of today's teens with today’s drugs
| Dorset Nexus
13 & 20 March 2025 9.30 – 13.00 Merley House, Wimborne
Overcoming the challenges of today's teens with today’s drugs | Dorset Nexus
Understanding Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD)
This disorder can have major impact on children and their families. This course will look to understand the disorder and explore strategies to support the child.
* Learn about Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) including the different types of FASD
* Gain knowledge on how to get a diagnosis
* Learn to identify strategies that can be employed
* Gain and understanding of the implications of FASD
20 June 2024 Virtual 10.00 – 13.00
Understanding Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD) | Dorset Nexus
1 October 2024 Virtual 10.00 – 13.00
Understanding Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD) | Dorset Nexus
5 March 2025 Virtual 10.00 – 13.00
Understanding Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD) | Dorset Nexus
mailto:fosteringadmin@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk?subject=RSVP%20to%20award%20ceremony
** Funded performing arts classes
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Believe, based in Wimborne, offers funded performing arts classes for looked after children aged 6-16 in Dorset and Hampshire. They offer performing arts tuition with trauma-informed teachers.
Spaces are limited. Please contact them directly to book.
Find out more
** Fostering South West
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A new regional fostering recruitment support hub for all local authorities in the south west has just gone live month.
The new hub will work to improve the customer journey for prospective foster carers from initial enquiry through to applications. The aim is to help increase the conversion rate between initial enquiry and application.
Once processed through the hub we will pick up the enquiries for Dorset Council and ensure the prospective foster carers have the information and support, they need.
The government has funded this approach for an initial 12-month period, and we will keep you updated as we progress.
During this time we will continue to run our own campaign ‘Foster with Dorset Council’.
mailto:fosteringadmin@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk?subject=RSVP%20to%20award%20ceremony
Make sure that the person you refer knows to mention your name during their enquiry call and when they are asked 'how they heard about fostering or supported lodgings with Dorset Council'.
Payment will be made to you when the new carer receives panel approval.
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