Foster carer support

Foster Carers’ induction group at the Council House, Earl Street, Coventry, CV1 5RR

This group takes place on the last Wednesday of every month from 10.30am -12.30pm. The aim is to give newly approved foster carers the opportunity to meet other new foster carers, to share experiences and talk through any issues you might be experiencing. The group is run by a supervising social worker and children and families worker from the Fostering mainstream support team. Information on a particular topic that you will all experience as foster carers will be discussed; it is also an opportunity for informal discussion and questions. Some topics that are covered are: recording and other paperwork, reflection and how to use supervision with your supervising social worker effectively, Therapeutic parenting and de-escalation and managing difficult behaviours.

Training, Support and Development (TSD) standards workshop at Woodside Hub, Upper Ride, Coventry CV3 3GL

This workshop takes place on the second Friday of every month from 11:30am – 12:30pm. As a newly approved foster carer, it is a requirement that your TSD folder is completed within the first year of fostering. These sessions will provide some additional support in completing your TSD folder.

The Peer Mentoring scheme

Peer mentoring is a scheme which aims to match potential foster carer applicants with a mentor before they attend Fostering Panel for approval. Mentors can offer moral support to new carers as they have first-hand experience of the joys and challenges being a foster carer can bring. Mentors can offer reassurance, support and guidance when attending panel for the first time and during the first six months when their fostering career begins. We also offer mentors to support any foster carers who might be experiencing a particular difficulty for the first time and may benefit from support by a more experienced foster carer (the mentor). At Coventry City Council, we recognise that the role of a foster carer is both complex and demanding.

Coffee/tea and cake drop-in session at Woodside Hub, Upper Ride, Coventry CV3 3GL

This group takes place on the second Friday of each month from 10 am - 11:30 am. Come along for a chat, to build relationships and network with other carers to support you on your fostering journey.

Drop-in session at St Michael’s Children’s Centre, Hazel Grove, Bedworth, CV12 9DA

The group meets every two weeks on a Wednesday between 9:30 am and 11 am (term time only). The Children’s Centre has a play area for children. So do come along for a cup of coffee/tea and a biscuit and to meet other foster carers, while the little ones play.

Coventry South coffee morning at Green Lane Social Club, Leasowes Avenue, Coventry, CV3 6BH

This is a new session that has started on Monday, 5th June 2023 between 9:30 am and 11 am (timings may change). This will take place once a fortnight and is a valuable resource for carers to connect and support one another. There is free parking to the rear and the number 9 bus drops people directly outside the entrance.