BE THE DIFFERENCE
A CHILD NEEDS
WHY STARZ FOSTERING?
We recruit, train and support empathic carers who can support and care for children and young people who are not able to live with their birth families.
Most children and young people who enter the care of local authorities have experienced abuse or neglect. Because of this our carers need the skills and support to help the children recover and reach their full potential.
Sadly, fostering ends at 18 but many young people are not ready to enter the big world on their own at that age.
For young people who have been permently placed with Starz carers we can continue to offer practical advice and support up until they reach 27.
Recruit, train and supervise excellent foster carers
We offer excellent training and support to those interested in applying to becoming foster carers and our approved foster carers. For our approved foster carers this includes regular supervision, we aim for supervision to be held once per month with a qualified social worker, bi-monthly clinical supervision with Verbatim Therapy and Consultancy Service, training, events for the children and/or family activities and regular consultation on the service we provide. We also provide a very competitive fee.
Therapeutically Underpinned Care
We believe that by giving our foster carers quality, accessible and knowledgeable support and supervision they will be better equipped to care for and meet the needs of the children and young people placed in their care.
What Are We Providing?
Activities for our children and young people
Our team organises several activities throughout the year for all the children and young people linked to Starz; this could include, graffiti workshops, pantomimes, attending local events or arts and crafts workshops.
We also hold competitions and consultations for the children and young people.
Children and Young People who are members of a fostering family
We realise how hard it can be for birth children to share their family with a new child. During home visits the supervising social worker will aim to speak to each child and young person living in the home at least once every three months on their own with visits planned at times, they will be home.
We are currently working on a project with children whose family fosters to develop a ‘Welcome Leaflet’ detailing who members of the team are and how to contact us if they have any worries or concerns specifically tailored for the birth children of approved foster carers.
Life skills and preparing for independence
Everyone at Starz is dedicated to providing the children and young people in their care with the skills and knowledge for their future independence. An experience Starz foster carer is working with the team to develop a Starz workbook to support children and young people with life skills/who are preparing for independence. The workbook will cover a wide range of subjects including health, relationships, budgeting and life skills.
Starz also provides advice and guidance for foster carers who are considering caring for a young person in their care after their 18th birthday which is known as ‘Staying Put’.
Post 18 Support
All our young people who have been permanently placed with Starz can turn to us for practical help and in some circumstances financial assistance up to the age of 27.
Life Story
Often children and young people who are ‘looker after’ will complete life story work with their social worker or a professional assistant from the social care team. Our foster carers are supported by the team to keep a ‘Treasured Memories’ box for the children and young people in their care including mementos from days out and photos.
Where agreed support can be provided by a member of our team or with an Independent Social Worker to support a child/young person to complete their life story.
Consultation & Participation
We value feedback from everyone who uses our service. Every child, young person, prospective foster carer and foster carer will be listened to, and their views actively inform our practice and the development of our service.
We also seek the views of the social care team, families (where possible), panel members and other service providers through consultation opportunities.
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