Support groups meet to discuss and examine issues that arise whilst looking after children. They also provide an opportunity for you to develop your skills and knowledge. Liaison social workers and carers attend these groups, which occasionally feature guest speakers and short presentations.
Generally, carers find it valuable to be part of a group of carers where everyone can appreciate the difficulties and rewards of looking after other people's children. Support can be practical, it can include advice and it often involves emotional support - particularly if you are experiencing a demanding period with the child in your care. It can also be a useful opportunity for carers and social workers to identify needs for further group training.
Here's what foster carer Colin Brough has to say about support groups:
"When I first started as a foster carer my liaison worker suggested that I should attend a 'support group'. My initial mental picture was of a group of people sitting in a fluorescent lit council office room, drinking coffee from polystyrene cups and moaning about the kids they were looking after. I couldn’t have been more wrong.
"The group I joined has a wide range of carers including couples and single carers looking after children from babies to teenagers. We meet the last Tuesday of every month and we take turns to host each meeting. People who are experienced, and know exactly what challenges can be faced when fostering, are right there to talk to. I’ve been on lots of training courses, attended many seminars and they have all been useful in gaining knowledge.
"Someone once told me, “what I hear I forget, what I see I remember and What I 'do' I understand.” Foster carers 'do' foster. The group is not just there for help when things are difficult; they are also there to share the highs as well. Positive changes in the young people we live with. We have a BBQ once a year, weather permitting, and we have also invited guest speakers to come along on various topics.
"I would absolutely recommend joining a group whether you are new to foster caring or you think you could share you experience with other carers."
