What does safer caring mean? by Homefinding and Fostering in Kent. 

One of the biggest responsibilities of a foster carer is keeping everyone in the home safe. The adults, the children and other family members.

To do this, you need to consider the risks involved in caring for vulnerable children.

'We've considered every potential risk, except the risks of avoiding all risks..”

Children thrive in families, who care for them, keep them safe and are positive role models. They need the space to grow, make mistakes and learn.  But this has to be balanced with keeping children safe, preventing them from coming to harm.

Every household has rules, ways of doing things, and fostering households are the same.  It is not about changing everything that a family does, but thinking about what parts of the family behaviour involves risk and ensuring that safer care becomes part of every day life.

Each household has their own safer caring plan which is part of the fostering assessment, and each fostered child has their own safer care plan.

So that ever time someone new moves into the home, you need to look at your  safer caring plan with your family.  It will be different depending on the age of the child that moves in, as very young children will need help with washing, and going to bed.  If it is someone older you need to consider the rules about bedtimes, travelling independently and using the internet.

Everyone has a right to some privacy and a right not to be worried or embarrassed by other people in the house.  Rules like knocking on doors and having personal problems like bedwetting treated with kindness and consideration. To have the right to say no thanks to physical contact like hugs and cuddles.

That everyone is  dressed appropriately, especially when going to bed or coming out of the bathroom.

And these rules of safer caring plans need to be reviewed as children mature and relationships develop.

Everyone needs to be involved in safer caring discussions,  listened to about what they feel is fair and right,  and consulted about changes that may have to be made about how everyday things are done in the home.

Why do foster carers have to be extra aware?

Most children face many of the same risks, including being bullied at school, or risks on the internet.

But children and young people who are fostered may require protection from dangers as their lives can be more complicated. 

Children who have been abused or neglected are often difficult to parent. Their life experiences may create insecurities.  They may not understand why we need to have rules, or respect them.

Some children and young people may have had negative relationships with adults and adult care givers.  The experiences of having a positive adult role model can help improve the change of them having a positive relationship with adults in the future.  They may have a history of running away, or having unlimited internet use.

Families have different ways of showing affection, and you must be mindful that touch may has meant something harmful to children in the past. 

Tickling and wrestling games should be avoided,  are also something that may have different meanings for children depending on their past experiences.

Foster parents need to make decisions about how you manage these risks.

Acceptable risks

Risk is part of everyday life and in fact tying to remove all risk can prevent children from learning.

Safer caring is about showing that you can manage risks sensibly, rather than trying to avoid all possible risks.