Click here to return to the list of workshops...

Workshop title: Safer Caring

Aim: To help foster carers keep themselves, their families and their foster children safe

Designed for: Foster carers and social workers

Objectives: During the workshop, participants will:

• understand the need for safe caring guidelines and procedures
• recognise risky situations and behaviour
• know how and why to create and review a safe caring family policy
• know where and how to get support from their local authority or fostering agency
  

Method: This workshop will be highly participative, using practical examples and exercises to help everyone relate the learning to their fostering

Length: Two days 9.30 - 2.30

Preparation: Each carer should discuss with their supervising social worker the relevance of the workshop objectives to their fostering as well as their personal objectives

Follow-up: Carers write their own plan to apply their learning to their own fostering; this should then be discussed with their supervising social worker so it can be supported and actioned

Facilitator: Shân Dobinson is a management consultant with a wide range of companies, charities and Christian organisations

Workshop Content: Safer Caring

Introduction to Safer Caring

• What makes children and adults feel safe or unsafe?
• What is safe caring?

Risky Situations and Behaviour

• Why do allegations happen?
• Signs and symptoms of risky situations
• Case studies

Safe Caring Policy

• What is a safe caring family policy?
• Draw up and review your family policy
• Record keeping

The Importance of Support

• How your local authority or fostering agency can give you support
• Other sources of support
• Review of case studies
• Turn theory into action