19th November, 2024
Our foster carers are super stars. That’s a fact! Every day we witness them unfailingly champion the children and young people. Fostering isn’t easy, and yet, they consistently face whatever is thrown at them head on, continuing to support, embrace and love those they care for.
In short, they deserve all the praise in the world.
One thing we’ve found consistent across the group it the importance of celebrating the wins no matter how big or small. Team Manager, Fiona told us, “Feedback is important. I love to mark my appreciation by taking the time to drop a quick email to my foster carers, with positive feedback copying in the registered manager to show that their efforts have been noted straight away. Recently, I let a couple know how fantastic they were at their young persons LAC review. Their warm hearts shone through, and I pointed the little things they did to make sure their young person felt supported. I wanted to say thank you on behalf of Capstone and let them know that the care they were providing was excellent.”
Having real time recognition and praise was a theme echoed by Supervising Social Worker, Angela. “I always make sure to give my families positive verbal feedback, and as an organisation, we try to show our appreciation in small but meaningful ways. For example, we recently sent a gift card to a foster carer whose young person had moved on. She’d put so much effort into fighting for his EHCP and securing therapeutic support, and we wanted to acknowledge that.
We also celebrate our families at our carer appreciation events, which are a great way to recognise their hard work. When carers receive positive reviews, it’s always such a rewarding moment to see their faces light up, especially when I’ve made an effort to highlight all their strengths and the amazing work they’re doing.”
Indeed, carer celebration events are held in local areas as often as possible and are always well received. It’s always lovely to get together but also, to recognise hard work in a bigger way.
One team hosted a heartfelt celebration to honour their dedicated foster carers who have reached remarkable milestones—5, 10, 15, and even 20 years of fostering service. It was a moment to reflect on their incredible journey, achievements, and the vital role they play in the lives of so many children. Fostering provides a sense of stability, love, and security to children & young people who have faced adversity, and our carers' commitment to these young people is truly inspiring.
On the day they also welcomed a local foster carer and his brother, who shared a powerful short film, they’d created, Be-longing. The film highlights the importance of connection, and the profound impact that a nurturing home can have on a child's development and experience in foster care. The film resonated deeply with the carers, highlighting the difference they make in offering, not just shelter, but a sense of family to those in need.
The feedback for the day was outstanding from all who attended. Foster carers, Tsega and T’Amare commented, “We were waiting for this day to come and really appreciate it. Our staff team and friends are here, we work together as one, we love to see each other. We are happy, this celebration of 20 years for us is special. Our aim from the beginning has been to help the children, when we started we wanted to see how it went, one or two years, but we saw that the children needed us. We have a place they can stay, we have the energy, we’re really happy. Capstone have given us a big help, always supporting us since we started.”
While foster carer, Awet, had this to say, “It’s a beautiful day and it’s nice to be appreciated. It’s been an emotional time for us, fostering is emotional, our job is very challenging and also a happy job that we do. Foster children come to our home and we welcome them like our own children. I’ve been fostering for 20 years and these Capstone foster carers are part of my family, lots of support, lots of network, lots of love”
Chief Operation Officer, Debbie Tomlinson, who was also in attendance, expressed much pride in the team’s efforts to reward and recognise on the day of celebration. “What an absolute privilege it was to attend the event. I shed quite a few tears listening to the wonderful relationships between carers and children. It was so amazing to see the connection they all had and what an amazing difference they’re all making together to our carers and children. Fantastic event and thank you all.”
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