The sons and daughters of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s foster carers have been given a special thank you for the vital part they play in the success of fostering.
Ten of the children gathered for an indoor picnic and a fun evening of painting their very own piece of pottery at Crockadoodledo in Bath.
Bath & North East Somerset Council held the event earlier this month during its “Sons and Daughters’ Week” – part of a nationwide campaign run by leading charity the Fostering Network.
Fostering services around the UK have been running events to thank the sons and daughters of foster carers for improving the foster care experience of the children and young people living with them. Fostering has a huge impact on the whole household and it is essential that this is both recognised and celebrated.
Councillor Nathan Hartley (Lib-Dem, Peasedown), Deputy Leader of Council and Cabinet Member for Early Years, Children and Youth, said: “Research shows that the relationship between the sons and daughters of foster carers and the fostered children in their home can make or break the placement. They share their parents, toys and friends in such a generous way and Bath & North East Somerset Council’s fostering service would not function so well without their huge contribution.
“Therefore it’s important that the views and opinions of these sons and daughters don’t go unheard and that they feel valued for the role they play. That’s why we run the Children of Foster Carers Club specifically for foster carers’ and family link carers’ birth children. The club meets regularly every six weeks and includes two ‘treat’ events in the year.“
As well as ensuring that the children can have fun – such as creating puppets to put on a show or making pizzas and puddings to eat – the club also encourages them to share their thoughts and feelings (in confidence).
Hatty, one of the children attending the celebration evening, said: “I enjoy being a foster carer’s daughter as it gives me a chance to share my experiences of a happy childhood with children who are less fortunate. I attend the Children of Foster Carers Club which is really helpful as I meet with other children of carers and can relate to them.“
For more information about fostering with Bath & North East Somerset Council please contact the Family Placement Team on 01225 394949, email [email protected] or visit http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/fosteringadopting.
