bring something to the table
working with a fostering social worker: myths vs facts
As part of our need to recruit 800 more foster families over the next couple of years, we’re sharing real life stories from different parts of the fostering community in Wales.
We want to tackle some of the most common perceived barriers that stop people from enquiring with us about fostering. Often, these can include a lack of confidence, misunderstanding the fostering criteria, or assumptions about what lifestyles are suitable for fostering.
The most recent stage of our campaign shines a spotlight on the life of a foster care social worker, highlighting the ways they work with foster families to provide crucial support and share their valuable expertise.
Recent YouGov survey numbers show that only 11% of social workers feel their roles are well-respected. With fostering social workers believing that their role has negative perceptions due to a lack of understanding about what social workers do.
So, we’re providing more information, from foster carers themselves, about the important relationship they have with their fostering social worker .
“there’s a lot of bad press. Some people still believe social workers are only there to remove children from families and that they are paid extra to do so.”
As well as raising awareness of the great work of our social workers, we want to remind everyone that we’re here to support foster families and the young people they look after.
We’re hoping to inspire people to become a foster carer, reassuring them that they can rely on a strong fostering support bubble.
supervising social worker survey
We recently commissioned some more in-depth research into the public image of a fostering social worker, and got an impressive number of responses, which highlighted some common themes.
For instance, more than a quarter of foster social workers believe potential foster carers fear they’d be judged on their lifestyle or past. On the flip side, nearly 80% of foster care social workers surveyed are mainly motivated by their desire to help support families.
The foster carers we interviewed, meanwhile, said that before applying to foster, they had made assumptions about social workers being overworked and inundated with paperwork (29%). Many told us they believe the negative preconceptions are created by news reports on the role of social workers.
Once they meet them, they realise that their supervising social workers are human beings who care, support, reassure and work it out together. Our foster families have shared moving stories about their positive experiences with our supervising social workers.
“In almost 18 years of fostering, we’ve had some excellent supervising social workers, truly. Whenever I’ve called in, be it for paperwork or just a quick chat, I’ve always been welcomed and respected.
During some difficult circumstances this past year, where my supervising social worker went above and beyond, I’ve realised how important it is to have a social worker who takes time to observe, and get to know your family, and the children.”
“Social workers are superheroes who often do not get the recognition and respect that they deserve. They make impossible decisions daily that I couldn’t. I see the long hours and the stress they carry daily. But I also see the resilience, the understanding, and the care they have for these children.”
We also heard from our foster care social workers themselves, who shared their messages for people considering becoming foster families with foster wales.
“You have many life experiences that will be just right for a child out there. If you can offer warmth, empathy and a gentle approach, everything else can be learned along the way. Children are not looking for ‘experts’ they are looking for someone to keep them safe and make happy memories.” Social Worker
“Foster carers can be the best advocates for the children who can’t vocalise their wishes and feelings for themselves” Social Worker
“you are an equal within the process and your views are welcomed and respected” Social Worker
“If you’re thinking of becoming a foster carer, then you already have something in common with social workers; we both care about children and want to help them. Together, we can make this happen.” Social Worker
“should you decide to become a foster carer, you will become part of a much wider family of like-minded individuals.” Social Worker
“Every individual and family has something unique and wonderful to offer a child” Social Worker
Laura has worked as a supervisor social worker with Foster Wales Vale of Glamorgan for nine years.
“my mam is also a foster carer, which solidified that I wanted to be a social worker. I really enjoy my job, I love building relationships with foster carers”
Ingrid is a social worker with Foster Wales Wrexham, qualified for over 36 years.
“becoming a foster carer is life-changing, but it’s not working in isolation. It’s working very much as part of a team”
it takes a village: fostering community teamwork
Head of Foster Wales, Alastair Cope, shared: “The latest phase of our award-winning ‘Bring Something To The Table’ campaign highlights the important role that the whole of Wales’ fostering community plays in supporting young people. The research we have conducted has been important in helping us better understand the challenges that social workers and support workers face when carrying out their vital roles – but also the amazing relationships that have flourished across Wales’ fostering community, to build a real support network for both foster carers and young people.”
Inspired to join the fostering community? Contact your local Foster Wales team
