Forthcoming Training Courses &
Foster Carer Support Groups
September 2011 - October 2012

22nd September 11
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Calf Hey Barn

Vivien Kearns

 An introduction to the categories of abuse and symptoms of each category.   Recognition of which groups of children most at risk "what do children need" short and long term effects of abuve.

6th October 11
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 

Rachel Bonewell

In this interactive workshop, you will use a number of strength-based tools that you can use in your family to:

• develop relationships and communication
• provide an opportunity for people to talk about themselves in a non-threatening way
• build confidence and self-esteem

13th October 11
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Vivien Kearns

InDefine what the term means and how it differs from arranged marriage.   Subjects discussed will be:

• prevalence
• which groups in society are affected
• UK Law - the Forced Marriages Unit
• understanding issues
• the role of communities

10th November 11
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Vivien Kearns

Define what is meant by neglect - subjects covered will be:

• a picture of the neglected child
• the seriousness of neglect
• health aspects of neglect
• role of the foster carers in dealing with children who have suffered neglect
• Time for discussion

125h November 11
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Rachel Bonewell

'It's not about giving advice - it's about listening'.
In this session we focus upon the difficult area of working with teenagers.   Hints and tips on how to communicate with and listen to, support, encourage or just live with teenagers will be gratefully received in this session!

8th December 11
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Vivien Kearns

Essentials for every child regardless of race or culture.

• Dietary needs of the major religions.
• Differences between religious and cultural requirements.
• Discussion of problems encountered and where to seek help regardless of race.

19th January 12
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Rachel Bonewell

You will be introduced to the Department of Health's Change4Life Campaign which will help your family eat well and get active.

 February t.b.c. 12
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Mo Whittle

 Managing behaviour is an inevitable part of fostering.   Every foster carer will, at some time, need to deal with behaviour that he or she finds challenging, although every family's definition of 'challenging' will differ.   By understanding the causes of certain types of behaviour, foster carers will find it easier to develop strategies to address it.   In this workshop, we will look at practical methods foster carers and social workers find useful.

 23rd March 12
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Rachel Bonewell

 This is your opportunity to share your experiences of being a foster carer, discuss how others (including Safehouses) support you and how they could do this even better!

19th April 12
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Joanne Craven

  Record Keeping is more than simply "paperwork", it plays an important part in the planning process for a child or young person.   This session will:

• establish the reasons for keeping different kinds of records and try to remove the mystique attached to record keeping.
• identify what information should be gathered and ways in which it can best be recorded.
• consider for whom the records are being kept and what use may be made of them.
• suggest practical techniques that will help carers keep useful records.
• explore how to separate "fact" from opinion and avoid inappropriate value judgements and discriminatory comments.
• address the implications of data protection legislation.

27th April 12
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Jackie Unsworth

  This training will look at specific placements:

• to identify what a parent/child placement is.
• identify what is involved in caring for a parent/child.
• identify the skills, knowedge, qualities and resources required by a foster carer when a parent/ child is placed.
• identify the role of assessment in parent/ child placements.
• identify the concept of "Good Enough Parenting".

17th May 12
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Joanne Craven

 Children and young people communicate their feelings in a range of ways, depending on their ages and experiences.   This training looks at:

• Listening to the views and feelings of children and young people.
• Responding appropriately to children and young people.
• Communicating clearly with children and young people.
• Helping children to make their own decisions.

24th May 12
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Kim North

 There are many different ways to conduct a risk assessment.   The methods differ in details, but have certain common elements.   This training will look at some of the following elements:

• Prepare for/set limits of the assessment.
• Identify tasks and hazards.
• Assess the initial risk.
• Reduce risk.
• Assess residual risk.
• I that residual risk acceptable?
• Validate solutions.
• Results/documentation/ validation.

29th June 12
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Rachel Bonewell

 During this workshop, you will use a number of tools that can support children and young people to identify their feelings and learn strategies to cope with them.

12th July 12
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Joanne Craven

 Current legislation that foster carers should be aware of including:

• UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
• Children Act 1989 and 2004.
• Human Rights Act 1998.
• Age based legislation - at what age?
• National Minimum Standards for Foster Care.

17th & 24th September and 1st October 11

Safehouses staff