Foster Families Winter 2010 Sample

foster families Winter 2010 Issue 7

£2

WIN!

Super Gran

Win a Turbo Buggy from Hauck!

Attachment Expert Nancy Thomas answers your questions

Bilingual fostering

Fostering a grandson with leukaemia

Learn their tongue, teach them yours

“Thank you for the fab magazine that arrived this morning!

Amazing as ever!” Katie, foster carer

Welcome Winter 2010 foster families 2

Foster Families Order Form

Dear Reader,

Fill in the form, crossing out as appropriate, and send it along with a cheque made payable to ‘Foster Families’, to: Subscriptions, Foster Families, Flat 2, 2a Brook Street, Worcester, WR1 1JB. Name: _____________________________

It’s definitely feeling like Winter already with the long dark nights and cold winds. We’ve got some festive treats for you inside, including some fun decorations you can make with the child or young person in your care.

Also in this issue, Nancy Thomas gives her top tips on dealing with attachment disorder, while Janet Blannin advises how to best cure

Address: ___________________________ ___________________________________ Postcode: ___________________________

bedwetting.

And as if all that isn’t enough, there are plenty of competitions to catch your eye too! As always, we love to hear from you, so please send your stories and questions into haveyoursay@fosterfamililes. co.uk or post them to our postal address on page 4.

Email Address: ______________________ Yearly subscription:

£7 One issue: £2 Other amount of issues: __ Paid by: Cheque/ Money transfer/PayPal Email subscriptions@fosterfamilies.co.uk for more payment options.

I hope you enjoy this issue, I know I have!

Ceressa Bateman, Editor

Meet the experts...

Chris Graham, cookery teacher, shares some fun recipes you can try with the child in your care

Annette Webb, from Simply Fostering, is here as always to answer your questions

Nancy Thomas, Therapeutic Parenting Specialist, gives her top tips on attachment disorder

Janet Blannin, Starr Medical, looks at the best ways to cure bedwetting

Helen White, independent Real Nappy Advisor, shows how using Real Nappies can save you money

foster families Winter 2010 Issue 7

£2

Win a Turbo Buggy from Hauck by entering our competition plus other prizes to be won too

With more languages being spoken in the UK, find out how to help the child in your care

39 Expert Nancy Thomas gives top tips and advice on Attachment Disorder

25

Photos (from left) : Daniel Zanini H, David Woo

Take a look at this issue’s cover stories

22 WIN!

Super Gran

Win a Turbo Buggy from Hauck!

Attachment Expert Nancy Thomas answers your questions

Bilingual fostering

Fostering a grandson with leukaemia

Super Nan Judy Tonks tells of her grandson’s struggle with leukaemia

Learn their tongue, teach them yours

“Thank you for the fab magazine that arrived this morning!

Amazing as ever!” Katie, foster carer

19

This is not the full version - to read all the articles, subscribe for just £2. The printed copy comes out four times a year, and costs £7 to subscribe for the whole year. The printed copy has no extra adverts, just lots more advice, support, fun and personal articles. Email subscriptions@fosterfamilies.co.uk or subscribe at www.fosterfamilies.co.uk. www.facebook.com/pages/Foster-Families-Magazine/144256428433

http://twitter.com/Foster_Families

Photos, clockwise from top left: Foster Families, c/o Judy Tonks, c/o Winchester University, Amanda Truss, Jesslee Cuizon, www.flickr.com/photos/ 97631899@N00/56583236

Contents Winter 2010 foster families 3

Contents Winter 2010

Edition 7

19

These are the contents for the FULL printed version of the Winter edition of Foster Families

35

information . . . please sir, we want more...

... 4

personal . . . a family for us all

... 5 supergran, caring for a grandson in hospital... 19 is that normal behaviour? attachment ... 28

leaving care . . .

book reviews ... you share your favourite books: i miss mummy ... 29 boosting self esteem in adoption ... 29 gatwick bear ... 37

culture shock - going to university summer school at winchester control freak, a new novel

10 ... 8 ...10 ...11

advice . . . real nappies, save money registering as self employed

...13 ...14

communication . . . our top tips ... hospital visits avoid bedwetting

... 20 ... 34

competitions ... grandma’s gifts ... 21 my desi guru dvds ... 23 orchard toys game ... 24 who cares trust ...29 saronti books ...31 montagne jeunesse...31 themessiplace ...32 peppa pig game ...37 mediak cds/dvds ...39 hauck turbo buggy ... 39

22

what did you say? take a look at language ... 22

33

support . . . avoiding allegations at christmas help filling out your cwdc form support on surviving a tough placement dealing with attachment disorder

... 15 ... 16 ... 17 ... 27

home . . . fresh walls for each new child in your care... 30 our christmas gift list ideas ... 31 decoration ideas with salt dough ... 35

food and health . . . tips for curing bedwetting a healthier diet, one chip at a time the creaming method explained chris’s cookery cards

... 33 ... 33 ... 35 ... 36

fun stuff . . . swap shop - trade your toys and prams competition winners kids’ corner crossword

... 4 ... 32 ... 37 ... 39

This is not the full version - to read all the articles, subscribe for just £2. The printed copy comes out four times a year, and costs £7 to subscribe for the whole year. The printed copy has no extra adverts, just lots more advice, support, fun and personal articles.

Email subscriptions@fosterfamilies.co.uk or subscribe at www.fosterfamilies.co.uk.

25

Leaving Care Winter 2010 foster families 4

Summer schools... Get a taster for uni life Terri Sandison tells how summer schools are a step in the right direction

The young people having fun at the Summer Camp in Winchester

T

his summer 13 young people, aged 14-17, in the care of Hampshire County Council’s Children’s Services attended a threeday residential at the University of Winchester. The summer school is part of the University’s extensive outreach programme for children in care and this year was based around creative arts, enabling students to participate in a variety of different activities including creative writing, stomp, drama, and developing their own sessions to teach their peers.

The students put together a song and street dance performance with Seven Stars Agency Ltd and also learned the skills of stage combat from a professional stunt coordinator.

Alongside all of this, they worked towards their Bronze Arts Award, which is a recognised national qualification.

Aimhigher Hampshire and Isle of Wight provided innovative workshops in careers education, in which participants took part in a Q&A session with student ambassadors and the Aimhigher outreach officer. This helped them to focus on their futures and the benefits of staying on in further and higher education.

Lee Culhane, Participation Officer, Hampshire County Council says: “Hampshire County Council wants to encourage its children in care to go on to university, and the University of Winchester wants to provide support to young people in care. We aim to achieve this in a way that’s fun and raises aspiration for the young people themselves. The whole process isn’t

“It’s about raising confidence and self esteem”

just about raising aspirations though, it’s also about raising confidence and self esteem.”

Jordan, who participated in the summer school this year, says: “It gives us an opportunity to meet other children in care and talk about our backgrounds and experiences.

It’s made me think about coming to university.”

Chris Wilkins, a University of Winchester graduate and film maker, recorded footage of the summer school and interviewed participants and staff on the benefits of the scheme. The DVD, featuring ‘I’ve Got My Swagger On’ - a song created by participants during the urban arts and music production workshop - was launched at a Celebration Event in September. Senior staff from Hampshire County Council and the University of Winchester joined the young people and their carers and families to celebrate the achievements of this year’s summer school.

The University of Winchester has an excellent support package for Care Leaver undergraduates and currently has 20 students enrolled who have come from backgrounds in care, studying a wide range of degree courses. One student who enrolled this year has attended residentials for children in care since he was 14. He is now not only studying for a degree, but also working parttime both for the University and for Hampshire County Council’s Children’s Services to encourage other young people to follow in his footsteps.

“It’s made me think about going to university”

Thinking about uni? Find out what funding’s available • •

• •

Visit http://www.thewhocarestrust.org.uk/publications.php?action=publication&id=22. Section 4 is all about financial support for careleavers going to university. Also, check out our competition on page 29.

On top of LA and government support which is set out in the Who Cares... publication, a few universities also have a bursary or scholarship for careleavers. Terri Sandison says: “At Winchester we currently give all new careleaver undergraduates a King Alfred Scholarship of £2,050 in their first year (it comes in two installments and is coupled with advice on budgeting and managing money).

Also visit www.leavingcare.org.

Terri says: “Current fees, grants and loans will remain in place for students entering higher education in 2011.

However, for those who start studying in 2012 the whole system will change in line with new Government policy.”

Leaving Care Winter 2010 foster families 5

Support for care leavers at Winchester

www.aber.ac.uk/wpsi

Gweithio Gyda Myfyrwyr sy’n Gadael Gofal -Ein hymroddiad ni i’ch dyfodol chi

Er mwyn cael cymorth a chyngor cyn i chi gyrraedd (mewn Dyddiau Agored, dyddiau ymweld, etc.), drwy’r broses ymgeisio, ac wrth i chi gyrraedd, astudio, ac ymlaen i’ch graddio, cysylltwch â DEBRA CROFT yn y Ganolfan Ehangu Cyfranogiad E-bost: dec@aber.ac.uk Ffôn: 01970 622681, neu Tecst: 07968 77 55 23

Leanne Hart “The University of Winchester has been very supportive. If it wasn’t for the staff at the University – I would never have had the confidence to apply. The level of support received is fantastic and it’s given me confidence to know that I have such an excellent support network behind me.�

workinG with students froM Care - our commitmEnt to your futurE

Faculty of Science Faculty of Science

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Support for care leavers at the University of Greenwich We recognise the unique challenges faced by care leavers coming into higher education. To help you make the best of your time at university and achieve your full potential, we can provide: â—? A dedicated team offering on-going support and

mentoring throughout your degree programme â—? Advice on the fi nancial support available, including

the cost of Open Day visits and a bursary of ÂŁ1,000 per year, subject to conditions â—? Support in fi nding a job after graduation.

Support for Care Leavers

18/11/2010 11:44

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Terri Sandison T: 01962 827225 Geography, E: Terri.Sandison@winchester.ac.uk

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Find out more:

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For help and advice before arrival (at Open Days, visiting days, etc.), through the application process, arrival, progression, and on to graduation, contact DEBRA CROFT in the Centre for Widening Participation E-mail: dec@aber.ac.uk Tel: 01970 622681, or Txt: 07968 77 55 23

Benefits include:

_ Hazards & Disaster Management; and _ Sustainable Development.

The scheme offers: _ A ÂŁ1000 bursary per year* _ Flexible entry requirements _ A single point of contact at the University _ Advice on accommodation, student funding and student services _ Funding for year abroad and overseas placements *conditions apply To find out more information visit

www.kingston.ac.uk/compact or contact us on

Quality mark awarded for our commitment to working with care leavers

compact@kingston.a.uk or telephone

020 8417 3233

0800 005 006 • www.gre.ac.uk/careleavers

www.fosterfamilies.co.uk/index.php/main-page/swap-shop Swap Shop 15/11/2010 12:36 pm Don’t pay more! We’ve got some fantastic items for sale at

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www.fosterfamilies.co.uk/index.php/main-page/swap-shop. Why pay out for something brand new when there are plenty of second-hand options? If there’s anything you like, then get in touch and save some money.

Swap your items here! Let other foster carers get some use out of those pushchairs, toys, bikes and other things you no longer use. If you’ve got any useful bits and bobs you no longer need, then you can list them on here.

Simply email info@fosterfamilies.co.uk with your name, address, phone number, a description of the item, and a price.

•• • ••• •• •• •• ••• ••

•• ••• •• •• •• •to •• • • •• •• • •• •• •• ••• •• How

We specialise in looking after Foster Carer’s taxation

Visit us at www.fostertax.co.uk, or speak to us on 01207 524 909 to find out how we can help you We charge a fixed fee, agreed in advance

register as self employed

Hayley Payne explains how simple it is for foster carers to register with HMRC

F

• On the HMRC website: www.hmrc.gov.uk/selfemployed/ • On the HMRC self employed phoneline: 0845 915 4515 • Submitting form CWF1 obtained from the HMRC website • Fostertax will register their clients Who should Register: The person in the household who should register will differ depending on personal circumstances.

A sole foster carer will have to register, whereas a couple need to consider whether both of them or only one of them needs to register.

This will depend on whether their income arises solely from fostering or if either or both of them has

“Foster carers are treated as self-employed”

Fostertax help take the stress out of taxes

other income.

Other income may be from employment or a different selfemployment.

The level of their fostering income will also be a factor. To talk through the best option in your case contact Hayley on 01207 524909.

What to register for: If your taxable income is nil then you only need to register for NI purposes.

However, this situation must be reviewed. If you have taxable income in the future then you will need to register for taxation purposes as well, and will have to complete a selfassessment tax return.

The NI registration is in relation to Class 2 NIC - currently £2.40 per week. However a foster carer with a taxable income of under £5,075 can choose to apply for exemption to paying it. But be warned, not paying it may affect entitlement to certain benefits.

If you have taxable income then you must register for both NI and Taxation, and complete a Self Assessment Tax Return each year.

You may be entitled to reclaim: You should also note if you have been employed during the year but ceased to become a foster carer. If so you may have paid too much tax on your employment income that you could reclaim.

Fostertax specialise in looking after the taxation affairs of foster carers. Please contact Hayley on 01207 524909 or visit our website www.fostertax.co.uk.

Photo: www.flickr.com/photos/49333775@N00/313929226

oster carers are treated by the HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) as self-employed.

This means that you are responsible for paying your own tax and National Insurance (NI), and for submitting a Self Assessment Tax Return to the HMRC if required.

This is totally different from employment, where it is the employer’s duty to deduct and pay your tax and NI, and make the relevant submissions to the HMRC. How to register: On becoming a foster carer you must register as being self-employed with the HMRC. This can be done in the following ways:

Independent Support for Foster Carers subject to Allegations or Complaints for just £52 annually.

Prottect You urselves s, Your Family y and your Fo ostering g Registrration.

For more e details s and to o apply y online e visitt www.fosteringsupport.co.uk or call 01730 231603

A safer caring Christmas and New Year Fostering Support Ltd share their top tips for avoiding allegations

In order to avoid the potential pitfalls we have a few tips…….

Do plan ahead: Fostering can be unpredictable at the best of times, but with 1000 things to do before Christmas Day stress levels can rocket when your little ones won’t go to bed or your bigger one has lost his bus fare and needs picking up …..again!

Do take time to talk: Often we at Fostering Support find complaints

and allegations are borne out of misunderstanding and miscommunication. I remember once staying up all night with a young woman in my care, making mince pies. While the rest of the house slept we talked and rolled pastry, filled pies and dusted icing until all the fears of the forthcoming days were spoken out.

Do remember families: Birth families, Extended families and Foster families – what’s changed for them this year? What might they be thinking and feeling?

Do keep handy the number for Out of Hours Support and do clarify before offices close what your Fostering Service team expect you to do if there is an emergency over the Christmas period.

Don’t forget alcohol consumption: A glass of wine at Christmas may mean a well earned treat to you, but for your vulnerable ones it may spell

potential for Domestic Violence or Abuse.

Don’t agree to give alcohol to the children as a one off treat no matter how persuasive the arguments. It’s most likely against your Fostering Services Policy and may very well be against the law.

Don’t be upset if the gifts you queued for hours outside Hamleys to buy are discarded in favour of something entirely unsuitable delivered late by a family member……its only Christmas after all!

Wishing all readers a peaceful, safer caring Christmas and a very Happy New Year from Debra Gibbs Director Fostering Support Ltd and the Team www.fosteringsupport.co.uk Oh and Do remember to apply for Independent Support Annual Subscription (just £52) BEFORE you have an allegation, NOT DURING or your application may not be accepted.

“Apply for ISAS before you have an allegation”

This is not the full version - to read all the articles, subscribe for just £2. The printed copy comes out four times a year, and costs £7 to subscribe for the whole year. The printed copy has no extra adverts, just lots more advice, support, fun and personal articles. Email subscriptions@fosterfamilies.co.uk or subscribe at www.fosterfamilies.co.uk.

Photo: (Flickr) Keith Ramsey

F

or those who celebrate, Christmas can be a fantastic, magical, memorable time for children. But it can also prompt thoughts of loneliness and abandonment for those in the looked after system.

For foster carers, Christmas can also be a joyous time, but here at Fostering Support Ltd we know only too well that the emotion of separation, contact and expectation of happy families at Christmas can often lead to false allegations.

Support Winter 2010 foster families 8

Are you ready for April 2011?

Alex Knapp, CIS Assessment, shares how to quickly get your evidence portfolio ready for 2011

I

am sure you have all seen the Foster Care Training Support and Development Standards and have probably been given a workbook by your Supervising Social Worker (SSW). You probably know that you have to complete the standards before April next year. But did you know that there is a fast track method?

Since 2007, CIS Assessment.co.uk has supported thousands of foster carers across the country to evidence their knowledge against the Standards, without using a workbook. We have found that most foster carers have a good level of knowledge and understanding.

Simply using the assessments to evidence their knowledge and skills, in a way that values all of the work and training they have undertaken, is much more effective than ‘completing’ a workbook.

fast track their way through the Standards, by providing evidence of competence, based on prior learning and experience. And that is exactly what the online assessments do – ‘Fast Track’ evidence of knowledge and competence.

The SSW should support the assessment using observation and discussion in supervision. However, because supervision is going to happen anyway and because the online assessments only take minutes to complete a Standard, gathering evidence for the CWDC Standards can be completed within something you are already doing – supervision.

So it does not need to be something that has to happen on top of everything else!

The online assessments ask questions linked to the seven Standards and are designed to check knowledge i.e. ‘do you know it’. Observation is checking you are CWDC Guidance applying that knowledge in your day In the ‘guide for Supervising Social to day role with the children and Workers and Managers’ CWDC young people you support, i.e. ‘are describe that foster carers can you doing it’.

CIS saves you from piles of paperwork! You don’t need to go on training courses to evidence something you already know and are regularly putting into practice.

Instead, if you understand about confidentiality for example,

“Much more effective than a workbook”

then all the evidence required is that your SSW can evidence that you put this knowledge into practice with the children and young people you support.

Once you have completed…what then?

Once you have completed the Standards, your SSW will sign your Certificate of Successful Completion, which you should keep in your portfolio. Part of the duty of care to the children and young people you support is to keep your knowledge up to date and your SSW will support you with Continuous Professional Development (CPD).

Additionally, you can use the assessments to support CPD because they can be used to refresh your memory and guide the discussion in supervision. They will also help you to work out what courses might be of benefit… and evidence which courses you don’t need to go on!

“Gather your evidence during supervision”

What can I do now?

Get in touch to see if your Local Authority has funded access to the assessments.

Visit www.cis-assessment.co.uk for more details.

Download the case studies from http://new.cis-assessment.co.uk/ default.asp?p=cs

Photo: (Flickr) ShironekoEuro

Simple, Quick and Easy to use Finally and most importantly, the assessments have been designed with carers in mind. Foster carers using our assessments have repeatedly fedback that they are easy to use - even those who don’t like computers have found them easier to use than the workbook method.

Communication

What did you say?!

With over 300 languages spoken in London schools alone, make sure you can learn to understand your foster child’s lingo!

come in at 1st, 2nd and 4th most spoken languages respectively, with French and Spanish coming in at 11th and 14th*.

So how does this affect you, the foster carer?

Depending on where you live, you may find yourself fostering a child who speaks a different mother tongue to your

own. One obvious difficulty in this is not understanding what the child is telling you. Claire fostered a boy who spoke a different language to her.

She says: “Not understanding what he was asking for often resulted in tantrums! But both of us enjoyed teaching each other: me teaching him, and him teaching me.”

Amanda Gay, of the Ethnic Minority Achievement Team in Lambeth, says: “We have a lot of children and foster carers, and none of them necessarily speak English. Our team give talks to foster carers – and there are lots who don’t speak English.

“Children can be placed with a certain foster family due to sharing a religious connection, rather than sharing a nationality.”

While you may wish to help the child or young person learn your language, or learn English, it is also good practise for you to Photo: www.flickr.com/photos/97631899@N00/56583236 learn some of theirs.

This is not the full version - to read all the articles, subscribe for just £2. The printed copy comes out four times a year, and costs £7 to subscribe for the whole year. The printed copy has no extra adverts, just lots more advice, support, fun and personal articles.

Email subscriptions@fosterfamilies.co.uk or subscribe at www.fosterfamilies.co.uk.

“Not understanding what he said resulted in tantrums!”

Photo: www.flickr.com/photos/gep/463352416

D

id you know that more than 300 languages are spoken by children in London's schools, making our capital the most linguistically diverse city in the world? Although English remains overwhelmingly the most common first language, for more than a third of children it is not the language they will speak or hear spoken at home.

Punjabi, Hindi/Urdu and Gujarati

* http://www.literacytrust.org.uk / http://www.cilt.org.uk/ home/research_and_statistics/statistics/languages_in_the_ population/annual_school_census.aspx

Communication Winter 2010 foster families 10

Learning a new language Perhaps 50 years ago, it made sense to teach French and German in schools, as they are the languages of our closest nations. But now with so many languages being spoken in one city alone, why not help your children and foster children pick and choose between a wide variety of other languages to learn, capitalizing on our growing bilingual population?

As telecommunications, trade and transport systems ‘shrink’ the world, we need a population fluent in languages other than English*, thus encouraging some to pick their mother tongue as their ‘second’ language.

Best to start young Research shows that the older you are when you first start trying to master a second language, the harder and less successful it will be.

Children learning a second language before seven years old grow up to be as fluent in that language as ‘native’ speakers, and less fluent the older the learning starts.

If we want our children to master a second language fluently, it’s therefore best to start teaching them as young as possible.

In response to this, My Desi Guru (literally meaning My Asian Teacher) have created language DVDs dedicated to teaching young children Asian languages. These are currently available in Hindi, Gujarati and Urdu all combined with English. They have also just launched a DVD in Punjabi.

In an effort to encourage learning languages at an early age, founders Punam Malhotra and Pinal Patel say: “Introducing children to Asian languages is a future investment and beneficial for a multicultural society.

Learning an additional language has also proven educational benefits for children including improved school performance, increased creativity and better abilities to solve complex problems.”

Benefits of learning a second language Children understand intuitively that language is something to explore,

Win

Win a language DVD from My Desi Guru!

Now’s your chance to win a language DVD from My Desi Guru, worth £17.99! The bright and colourful jungle characters will help the child in your care learn a new language.

You can choose from Punjabi, Hindi, Gujarati, Urdu or French.

To enter, answer this question: What does My Desi Guru mean? a) My Asian Teacher b) My French Teacher c) My German Teacher

Email your answer to competitions@fosterfamilies.co.uk with the subject line ‘My Desi Guru’, along with your name and address.

Or you can post your answer to Foster Families, Flat 2, 2a Brook Street, Worcester, WR1 1JB. The competition closing date is February 10th 2011, and the first correct entry picked at random on this date will win. play around with, and enjoy. Their enthusiasm is both infectious and effective.

There are numerous benefits to learning other languages, including higher test scores in other subjects, better reading skills, greater confidence, additional future opportunities, cultural awareness, and a better grasp of a child’s original language, among many others.

Rhys is from a Welsh speaking family who have fostered young people from English language backgrounds. He says: “Two of the children we fostered became fluent in Welsh and went on through Welsh Medium Education.

Bilingualism is a great boost to children. When they came to study French they picked up the language very quickly.”

For children under the age of six, My Desi Guru use animated jungle

“It’s best to teach children a language as young as possible”

characters to teach numbers, colours and common words associated with food and drink, playground, clothes, days of the week, expressions, body parts and more, making it the Perfect Language Tool!

Punam and Pinal say: “We needed to produce a modern teaching tool aimed at kids growing up in the western world, understanding and accommodating both cultures.”

Parents, carers and educational institutions are finding these integrated and interactive learning tools highly effective to teach kids English/Asian languages.

Children learn through onscreen visuals and hearing words associated with them. Together, they reinforce one another and can be linked to enhance the learning process.

My Desi Guru have got DVDs for in the house, CDs for long car journeys, and colourful posters to reinforce learning. Check them out at www.mydesiguru.com.

“There are many benefits, including higher test scores”

This is not the full version - to read all the articles, subscribe for just £2. The printed copy comes out four times a year, and costs £7 to subscribe for the whole year. The printed copy has no extra adverts, just lots more advice, support, fun and personal articles.

Email subscriptions@fosterfamilies.co.uk or subscribe at www.fosterfamilies.co.uk.

Communication Winter 2010 foster families 11

Win Two Orchard Toys

board games to be won!

Bus Stop Ages: 4-8 Players: 2-4 £9.00

Email your answer to competitions@ fosterfamilies.co.uk with the subject line ‘Orchard Toys’, along with your name and address.

Or you can post your answer to Foster Families, Flat 2, 2a Brook Street, Worcester, WR1 1JB. The competition closing date is February 10th 2011, and the first two correct entries picked at random on this date will win.

Shopping List Ages: 3-7 Players: 2-4 £7.00

This is not the full version - to read all the articles, subscribe for just £2. The printed copy comes out four times a year, and costs £7 to subscribe for the whole year. The printed copy has no extra adverts, just lots more advice, support, fun and personal articles.

Email subscriptions@fosterfamilies.co.uk or subscribe at www.fosterfamilies.co.uk.

“Often children from other countries are more used to playing board games.

For example, dominos is a very popular game in the Caribbean – and is easy to play even when you don’t share the same language.”

Playing board games also gives you an excuse to spend time together without having to worry about awkward or difficult silences. You can understand each other more easily as the conversation relates to the game.

If you’re trying to help the child in your care to learn a language, Amanda recommends you establish supporting routines and have the child take part in your normal activities, as you would with a young child who is learning to talk. For example, take the child shopping and read price tags and labels together. You can do some baking with the young person and read the recipe cards together - these things will help them to learn a language in a natural everyday setting.

Photo: (Flickr) Larry Ewing

Bus Stop is a colourful and fun addition and subtraction game.

Take a counter and throw the two dice to move around the board, counting passengers on and off your big bright bus.

Shopping List is a memory game where the aim is to be the first to fill your trolley with all of the items on your shopping list.

These educational games will help the child in your care to learn English, and to have fun doing so!

You can buy these games and more at www.orchardtoys.com.

For your chance to win one of these two games, answer the following question: How many languages are spoken in London schools alone? a) 10 b) Around 120 c) Over 300

How you can help As well as using tools such as the DVDs, you can help children to learn by creating a warm and supportive atmosphere.

Amanda says: “They won’t learn if they don’t feel secure.

“Create lots of routines for them, such as sitting down and doing their homework, to help them develop organisational skills. This is as much help as actually helping them do their homework.

“For those who don’t speak English, Orchard Toys board games are very helpful. Do activities like this with the family at home. These games are very good for helping children to learn languages as well as literacy.

“Moving around the board helps children with counting: they can buy things in shops to help them get a grip of money, and there are little cards that they have to read.

The games help them to develop a number of skills, such as sharing and taking turns.

Support Winter 2010 foster families 12

Tired of dealing with attachment?

Nancy Thomas, Therapeutic Parenting Specialist, gives some fantastic advice on attachment therapy

Love is never wasted

N

ancy Thomas is an inspiring woman. Speaking to her, you can just hear the love in her voice. She really cares for children, especially those who have been unloved.

Not only does she teach seminars and give training on how to care for children with attachment disorder, but after adopting and fostering a number of children she has lived it.

She knows what she’s talking about. She’s been through the pain, the rejection and people thinking she’s the one with the issues... but most importantly, she’s seen the results.

Nancy says: “When a foster carer has a ‘normal’, healthy child placed with them, there is grief, anger and fear at being taken from their parents ‘I want to talk to my mum’. These reactions are normal. The child is overwhelmed. They have no control, and they are like a raging bull.

“But if the child placed with you is really happy and says ‘Can I call you Mum?’, then that child is sick. Very sick.”

Nancy compares this to how you might feel if your motherPhoto: Jessica Garro in-law turned up out of the blue and said, ‘Right, I’ve found you a new husband – he’s perfect. We’re going to meet him right now, and you’ll be staying there.’

You would not be happy! What about your husband? Your life? Your stuff?!

See a therapist

Nancy’s first tip is the importance of going to a therapist for attachment therapy.

She says: “90% of the treatment is done in the home. The more educated the carer is, the better the success. But the first 10% is done by the therapist.”

“Children with RAD need structure and nurture”

If you see no progress:

Nancy says: “Children with RAD (Reactive Attachment Disorder) need a balanced amount of structure (so they feel safe) and nurture (so they can grow).

“If this balance is well done, but there is no forward progress, then

the child has a secret i.e. they’ve been abused, they’ve stolen something, they’ve hurt an animal…

They have to put a lot of energy into keeping that secret. So if there’s a lot of no-forward-movement, it’s because of their secret.”

‘It’s my fault’...

If you find yourself thinking this is all

What is Attachment Disorder/Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)?

Attachment is the affectional tie between two people. This starts with the bond between the infant and mother, and becomes internally representative of how the child will form relationships with the world.

Attachment Disorder is the condition in which individuals have difficulty forming lasting relationships. If a child has not attached to the mother and therefore created no loving bond as a baby, then they will not attach to the rest of the world.

This damage is done by being abused or physically or emotionally separated from one primary caregiver during the first three years of life. They often show almost a complete lack of ability to be genuinely affectionate with others. They typically fail to develop a conscience and do not learn to trust. They do not allow people to be in control of them due to this trust issue. They do not think and feel like a normal person. They are filled with a deep-seated rage because of the abandonment they felt as infants.*

*Taken from http://www.attachment.org/pages_what_is_rad.php This is not the full version - to read all the articles, subscribe for just £2. The printed copy comes out four times a year, and costs £7 to subscribe for the whole year. The printed copy has no extra adverts, just lots more advice, support, fun and personal articles.

Email subscriptions@fosterfamilies.co.uk or subscribe at www.fosterfamilies.co.uk.

Support Winter 2010 foster families 13

says: “Carers definitely blame themselves – we do all we can, and yet see failures.”

It’s very common to blame yourself, especially when the child tells you: ‘You’re a failure’.

“But we have to remember we’re healing their hearts. They blame the new mum for the things that really are the fault of the birth mum,” explains Nancy.

“Carers must keep this in mind.

Tell yourself: ‘You didn’t create the problem.’ And: ‘I know I’m not the one the blame belongs to.’

“When it happens to me, I literally turn my shoulders to the side slightly, to help me remember emotionally that the arrows aren’t aimed at me.

“It can feel heartbreaking, as you love them. It’s painful, but understand their pain.”

What makes it even worse is that other people will blame you too. The child with RAD knows how to manipulate people. They charm those around them to think they’re a lovely child, and the victim of your harsh rules and temper.

Nancy says: “The mum is under attack. Dad thinks Mum’s gone crazy

Photo: Daniel Zanini H.

Children with disorganised attachment need lots of nurturing

– and that the child is wonderful. He can’t believe all the things Mum says about the child. He thinks she’s being too tough and starts criticising her.

“And poor Mum’s being criticised by everyone.

Even her own mum will turn against her. The child uses a pitiful face, as if to say, ‘Don’t leave me alone with her’.

And people feel sorry for the child.”

“Children who have RAD will hone ‘cute’ to an art”

What you can do

If your partner doesn’t believe you that the child in your care is spiteful and nasty when it’s just the two of you, Nancy suggests using a hidden video camera to track what goes on when they’re out the house, which you can then show your partner when they return.

“One dad pretended to leave for work, then snuck back in and hid in a cupboard,” tells Nancy. “He was there for about half an hour, listening to the little angel shouting at Mum and being a complete

terror. The child’s jaw dropped when Dad came out of the cupboard and he realised he’d been found out.”

Your questions answered

How can you differentiate RAD characteristics from autistic traits?

“That’s simple,” says Nancy. “An autistic child cannot be ‘cute’ or turn on the charm. To be ‘cute’ and charming, you have to understand facial expression, which an autistic person cannot do – they don’t engage you or bat their eyelashes at you. Children with RAD, on the other hand, hone ‘cute’ to an art. They are cute and charming to new people.”

The likely attachment disorder for our son is disorganised, but this hasn’t been proved. What advice can you give us?

Nancy says: “Whether diagnosed or not, love is never wasted.

Disorganised attachment is the most difficult form of attachment. You have your heart and your hands full.

The child will need a lot of nurturing

“Whether diagnosed or not, love is never wasted”

Photo: Jim Champion

RAD is when infant and mother don’t bond

This is not the full version - to read all the articles, subscribe for just £2. The printed copy comes out four times a year, and costs £7 to subscribe for the whole year. The printed copy has no extra adverts, just lots more advice, support, fun and personal articles.

Email subscriptions@fosterfamilies.co.uk or subscribe at www.fosterfamilies.co.uk.

Support Winter 2010 foster families 14

- at least 12 hugs a day. They need lots of snuggle time – just you and them, snuggling on the sofa, maybe with some ice cream, talking. Hold them close. They shouldn’t be away from Mum (in this case, you, the foster carer). They need lots of time with Mum, not playing football or being away with friends.

They need some time with Dad too.”

Support Ideas

School Tell the school all you can about the situation - you need to work together. Mum needs as much support as possible.

Dessert Session This is a wonderful way of having a support group. Find other foster carers or parents dealing with attachment disorder, and bring some

puddings to share.

Nancy says: “The first 45 mins to an hour is time for venting. Let everything out.”

Each person speaks for no more than 3 mins. Then have a break - and have some sugar.

The last 45 mins to an hour is only positive. Share ideas and solutions, and the good stuff that has happened.

“That way you end on a high. You can even pool funding and get a speaker – or a clown. Laughter is very healing. These mums don’t get a chance to laugh, so really laugh when you’re together,” adds Nancy.

“You have your heart and your hands full”

Success Stories

Follow Nancy’s advice and love the child in your care. You can make all the difference.

Nancy’s own adopted daughter had attachment disorder – she was a child of rage. But thanks to Nancy’s love and support, she’s been Nurse of the Year, and she’s just got married.

Seminars

Nancy will be in the UK in January, doing seminars across the country.

Support other foster carers with some cake, at a Dessert Session

For seminar dates and for more info and advice from Nancy, visit http://www.attachment.org

What causes Attachment Disorder?

Any of the following conditions occurring to a child during the first 36 months of life puts them at risk*: • Unwanted pregnancy • Pre-birth exposure to trauma, drugs or alcohol • Abuse (physical, emotional, sexual) • Neglect (not answering the baby’s cries for help) • Separation from primary caregiver (i.e.

Illness or death of mother or severe illness or hospitalization of the baby, or adoption • On-going pain such as colic, hernia or many ear infections • Changing nurseries or using providers who don’t do bonding • Mums with chronic depression • Several moves or placements (foster care, failed adoptions) • Caring for the baby on a timed schedule or other self-centered parenting

Attachment Disorder: The Symptoms If you think the child in your care may have attachment disorder, see if these symptoms look familiar*: • Superficially engaging & charming • Lack of eye contact on parents terms • Indiscriminately affectionate with strangers • Not affectionate on parents’ terms (not cuddly) • Destructive to self, others and material things (accident prone) • Cruelty to animals • Lying about the obvious (crazy lying) • Stealing • No impulse controls (frequently acts hyperactive)

• Learning lags • Lack of cause and effect thinking • Lack of conscience • Abnormal eating patterns • Poor peer relationships • Preoccupation with fire • Preoccupation with blood & gore • Persistent nonsense questions & chatter • Inappropriately demanding & clingy • Abnormal speech patterns • Triangulation of adults • False allegations of abuse • Presumptive entitlement issues • Parents appear hostile and angry

*Taken from http://www.attachment.org/pages_what_is_rad.php This is not the full version - to read all the articles, subscribe for just £2. The printed copy comes out four times a year, and costs £7 to subscribe for the whole year. The printed copy has no extra adverts, just lots more advice, support, fun and personal articles.

Email subscriptions@fosterfamilies.co.uk or subscribe at www.fosterfamilies.co.uk.

Top Tips Winter 2010 foster families 15

10 copies of ‘Who Cares... about looked-after children’s education?’ up for grabs!

WIN a gift

IN!

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Fantastic advice on Personal Education Plans, understanding how children learn and the financial support available to them. The guide explains the different stages of education, all the way up to university. It contains everything you need to know, and explains it all in an easy-to-read manner.

To get your hands on a copy, visit www. whocarestrust.org.uk, or answer this question for your chance to win one of 10 free copies: Who stars in Disney’s latest adaptation of A Christmas Carol? a) Jim Carrey b) Julian Clary c) Cary Grant To enter, simply email your answer, along with your name and address to competitions@fosterfamilies.co.uk with the subject line ‘Who Cares’. Or you can post your entry to Foster Families, Flat 2, 2a Brook Street, Worcester, WR1 1JB. The closing date is February 10th 2011, and the first 10 entries picked at random on this date will win.

IN! to say

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thank you to your Nan

If you’re struggling to find the perfect gift for your grandparent, try www.grandmasgifts.co.uk.

Original gifts include wartime scrap books that revive Britain’s rich history, classic board games, jigsaw puzzles and retro sweets. These gifts are intended to spark memories and conversations about your grandparents’ lives, making for a magical occasion.

One lucky reader can win £20 worth of presents for their grandparent.

For your chance to win, tell us what you find most special about your grandparent.

Email your answer, along with your name and address to competitions@fosterfamilies.co.uk with the subject line ‘Grandma’s Gifts’. Or you can post your entry to Foster Families, Flat 2, 2a Brook Street, Worcester, WR1 1JB. The closing date is February 10th 2011, and the first entry picked Foster families Ad_2010:YPF 09/11/2010 Page will 1 at random on10:45 this date win.

Valuable Training Resources for Foster Carers Southampton Footballing legend Matt Le Tissier, who has represented England and is currently one of the main Sky sports pundits, supports Simply Fostering and believes that all looked after children deserve to experience some positive family life.

Simply Fostering has now helped over 30 experienced foster carers transfer to new fostering agencies who are better suited or equipped to cater for their fostering needs. For more info, please complete the registration form at www.simplyfostering.co.uk.

for foster carers Teenagers in Foster Care –

Promoting Positive Relationships.

This training material is designed specifically for foster carers and social workers looking after young people.

It provides all the material needed to run the course including a CD with PowerPoint slides and handouts.

NEW PRICE: £32.50

for young people Getting Along A companion to the training pack, this high quality magazine resource is packed with quotes & tips from young people, foster carers and social workers. Topics include; moving, trust, school, friends, health, sex, risk and more!

NEW PRICES £1.50 (single copy) £5.00 (set of 10) £12.50 (set of 50)

young people in focus

research | training | publications

For more detailed information about these resources: www.youngpeopleinfocus.org.uk/publications To order call 01273 693311 (select publications department)

This is not the full version - to read all the articles, subscribe for just £2. The printed copy comes out four times a year, and costs £7 to subscribe for the whole year. The printed copy has no extra adverts, just lots more advice, support, fun and personal articles.

Email subscriptions@fosterfamilies.co.uk or subscribe at www.fosterfamilies.co.uk.

Home Winter 2010 foster families 16

Have your say!

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If you’ve got a letter or a story to share, email it to haveyoursay@fosterfamilies.co.uk or write to Have Your Say, Flat 2, 2a Brook Street, Worcester, WR1 1JB. Annette Webb, Simply Fostering, answers your letters (more in our full issue):

 

Dear Annette, I'm currently looking into older fostered children babysitting for birth children and other fostered children in the household.

What safeguards are put in place to enable it to happen? Any advice would be welcome. Thanks!

BAAF is not just for social workers. Foster carers and adopters also find that individual membership of BAAF helps them do a better job.

Hello Clare, I don’t think it’s appropriate for fostered children to babysit other children. Looking at it from a ‘Safe Caring’ perspective, there are too many risks to contemplate and it would not be fair to put that level of responsibility onto a ‘looked after child’. You need to consider developing your own support networks, if you don’t have any available adults to support you or talk to your supervising social worker about support resources available to you for babysitting duties. Ideally you would want an adult who is known to the children and one who is CRB checked.

I hope this helps.

Best Wishes, Annette

Find out why we have 1,400 individual and 500 corporate members.

Visit www.baaf.org.uk/join  The membership association for everyone working in fostering and adoption

Win a Saronti Christmas book

Help the child in your care feel part of your family!

Saronti’s A Special Christmas is 32 pages of a funny, rhyming personalised story where both the illustrations and the text can feature up to seven of your family members (or pay extra for more). Character faces are made up from the photos of family members you supply, and the text features their names too. Get the kids a great gift... and adults will laugh at the funny character roles in the story.

For your chance to win a free Special Christmas book from Saronti, simply answer this question: Name two other photo gifts Saronti produces, besides the books?

Visit www.saronti.com for more info!

Win

To enter, send your answer, along with your name and address to competitions@fosterfamilies.co.uk with the subject line ‘Saronti’.

Or you can post your entry to Foster Families, Flat 2, 2a Brook Street, Worcester, WR1 1JB. The closing date is February 10th 2011, and the first correct entry picked at random on this date will win.

n Win a Montagne Jeunesse Pampering Pack

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Here’s a treat for you this New Year

The Montagne Jeunesse Foot Cooler is the perfect treat for your feet.

Bursting with Iced Blueberry and Balm Mint to cool and soothe this unique cream talc is a no fuss solution to calming tired swollen feet.

With no need to rinse this is the perfect indulgence for foster mums and mums-to-be.

Check them out at www.montagnejeunesse.com.

WIN

Now one lucky reader can win a pack of pampering masks for their face, hair and feet.

To be in with a chance, simply email your name and address to competitions@fosterfamilies.co.uk with the subject line ‘Pamper pack’. The first entry drawn at random will win. Competition closes February 10th 2011.

This is not the full version - to read all the articles, subscribe for just £7 per year. Email subscriptions@fosterfamilies.co.uk

Competition Winter 2010 foster families 17

ies

ry Class

Adoption Greeting Cards

Adoption is a very special time and the parents, and their children, deserve a special card During my personal adoption journey I’ve noted the lack of adoption greeting cards for sale. That is why I’ve set up this website and sell these fine personal cards.

The good news is I am now an adoptive mum myself - with two wonderful children.

There is a small sample of cards for sale on the website, with numerous card designs and Annette Webb themes to choose from for each occasion, from adoption announcements to ‘Welcome to Our Family’. Please contact me if you have a particular request.

Carolyn 0116 2221882/ 07974810771 www.adoptiongreetingcards.co.uk

Competition Winners K

to our winners! iCongratulations ds Board Game goes to Steven Co rn er School DVD from Leapfrog. !

Number Corner

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TIT MPE

Win the new The 5 Little Monkeys Jumping in the Bed Ben 10 DVD in our from Swansea. competition Davina, Co. Durham, and Sue, York, both won the Let’s Go To

CO

Ben 10 Alien Force Volume 4: Undercover

Angie from Dudley won the Kitchen Pack from themessiplace.com. numbers the box go upthe Ben 10 DVD, and to Laura for winning Well done to EdwardThe from East in Mids, forbelow winning in 7s from 16 to 86.Little Can you work the Kingdom DVD. out which number is missing?

Lesley, Co. Durham, and Gemma, Kent, won theBabaSling.

It’s hero time once again! Currently the top rated show on Cartoon Network, Ben, Gwen and Kevin are back for all-new high octane adventures including a battle against Ben’s evil twin. When he’s not teleporting to distant planets or rescuing the Earth from destruction, Ben even tries to give dating advice to Kevin. Now there’s a challenge! But with his heroic bravery and powerful Omnitrix, Ben can handle just about anything.

The DVD features these fantastic episodes: • Darkstar Rising • Alone Together • Good Copy Bad Copy • Save The Last Dance • Undercover Sold at £9.99, you can win a copy for free by entering our Number Corner competition. Send your answer, with your name and address, to competitions@fosterfamilies.co.uk with the subject line ‘Ben 10’. Or you can post your entry to Foster Families Competitions, Flat 2, 2a Brook Street, Worcester, WR1 1JB. The first correct entry drawn at random will win. The deadline is November 10th 2010.

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Let’s get messy!

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30

44 Your chance to win51a messi kids pack

Here at themessiplace.com we offer65 colour available will appeal to 72 options 23 a unique range of products that the both boys and girls. children in your care will love. Why? 37 Foster ? Families 86 have teamed up with WINand ! get Because kids like www.themessiplace.com to offer you Bento & have fun Holly’s messy! We also knowLittle parents don’t the chance to win an individual boys Kingdom DVD like cleaning up the mess afterwards or girls kids pack. Each pack includes Scramble Corner Competition magical journey to so take a look Take at awww.themessiplace. a bag, a pencil case and an art smock The Little Kingdom on 27th The words below have been awardcom and makeSeptember your when lifeBAFTA easier. made from colourful wipe-clean PVC. winning pre-school series Ben scrambled! Can you put the letters & Holly’s Little KingdomHolly’s The messi range is aimed at in the rightWho order toproduces spell out some the art smock, bag and pencil case shown Magic Wand arrives on DVD for the first with time! providing children garments and words to do with Little Kingdom?

The DVD contains 10 episodes above? a) the messi place b) the tidy place c) the arty place plus special bonus episode ‘The equipment needed for those messy King’s Busy Day’. www.littlekingdom.co.uk. think you know the answer, email it to competitions@fosterfamilies.co.uk Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom follows the amusing times - whether producing wonderful 1.If you N B E adventures of Princess Holly and along with her best friend Ben Elf. They live artworks or having fun in the kitchen 2. O L H your Y L name, address and the subject line ‘Messi’, for your chance to in the Little Kingdom, a tiny but win a pack like the one pictured above. Or post your entry to: Competitions, enchanted magical land where or garden. The bright range of high 3. E F L flowers and grass rise above the Flat 2, 2a Brook Street, Worcester, WR1 1JB. The first correct entry drawn on tallest towers. quality products includes pencil cases, 4. N G K I You can win the DVD here by entering our Scramble February 10th 2011 will win the prize.

Corner competition! aprons and garden kneelers. The 5. A C M I G Send your answer with your name and address, to

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competitions@fosterfamilies.co.uk with the subject line ‘Little Kingdom’. Or you can post your entry to Foster Families Competitions, Flat 2, 2a Brook Street, Worcester, WR1 1JB. The first correct entry drawn at random will win. The

This is not the full version - to read all the articles, subscribe for just £7 per year. Email subscriptions@fosterfamilies.co.uk 37

foster families

Autumn 2010

Kids Corner Winter 2010 foster families 18

Win

Win Peppa Pig for the Wii

Three lucky children can win You’ll be delighted to hear that the videogame Peppa Pig - Fun and Games is now available on Wii consoles priced £19.99 RRP. Peppa Pig- Fun and Games allows you to explore Peppa’s world and is simple enough to play without extra adult help.

There are 10 re-playable games to discover which include Daddy Pig’s Bubbles, George’s Rocket, Cleaning Bicycles, Picking Apples, Watering Flowers, Duck Pond, Making Pictures, Decorating Cupcakes, Birthday Cake, Bursting Balloonsplus the bonus activity Dressing Up Game for which you can unlock extra outfits. Visit www.playwithpeppa.com for more information.

Kid Co s r Sudoku ne r!

Corner Enter a number between 1 and 4 in each empty square so that every row, every column and every 2 by 2 box contain all four of the numbers between 1 to 4.

Work out what number should be in the blue square for your chance to win Peppa Pig - Fun and Games.

For your chance to win

Find the missing number in the blue box on the Sudoku game and email your answer to competitions@fosterfamilies.co.uk with the subject line ‘Peppa Pig’, or post it to: Competitions, Flat 2, 2a Brook Street, Worcester, WR1 1JB. Don’t forget to include your name and address. The first correct entry drawn will win the prize. The competition closes February 10th 2011.

2 4 3

2

4

1

1 3

What are you reading?

k o o B ewGatwick Bear by Anna Cuffaro (Sparkling i v Re Books) £9.99 ISBN: 978-1-907230-02-8

This book is great for kids like you!

Gatwick Bear lives at Gatwick airport. In this adventure he is told to leave the airport, so he travels to Switzerland and gets into some fun and trouble along the way. He becomes part of a new family when he meets some other bears, but none of them realise that they’ve been misidentified as bank-robbers!

Will they be caught by the police and blamed for someone else’s crime? Or will they persuade everyone that they are honest bears really?

Read the book and find out! Buy it here: www.sparklingbooks.com/gatwick_bear.html

Note to foster carers:

Gatwick starts off homeless, with all of his belongings fitting inside one bag, and by the end of the book he has a new family that love and care for him. He deals with lots of rejection and misunderstanding. He wants to be independent and look after his little sister. He’s a helpful bear, but gets into trouble without realising what he’s doing. Many of the children in your care will relate to Gatwick and the situations he finds himself in. The book also throws in lots of useful facts so that children will learn while reading.

What’s your favourite book at the moment?

We’d love to hear what books you like to read. Let us know at haveyoursay@fosterfamilies.co.uk or post to: Competitions, Flat 2, 2a Brook Street, Worcester, WR1 1JB. You could even send us a review!

This is not the full version - to read all the articles, subscribe for just £2. The printed copy comes out four times a year, and costs £7 to subscribe for the whole year. The printed copy has no extra adverts, just lots more advice, support, fun and personal articles.

Email subscriptions@fosterfamilies.co.uk or subscribe at www.fosterfamilies.co.uk.

Competition Winter 2010 foster families 19

Win a Turbo buggy from Hauck 1

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6

7

9

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Across 1. Where you may skate on ice (4) 3. Some of the top US colleges and schools are part of the ___ League (3) 5. __ Dog Go, children’s book (2) 6. Fly larvae (6) 7. ___ Rise to Candleford, BBC1 drama (4) 9. Captain Von Trapp’s eldest daughter (6) 11. Amphibian’s eggs (5)

Down 1. Ballroom dance (5) 2. You can buy her cookbooks and watch her demonstrations on TV (7) 3. The ninth Greek letter (4) 4. University city with a Minster (4) 5. _______ Globe, acting award (6) 8. ______ Witherspoon, actress (5) 10. Independent Worker’s Union (inits) (3) 12.

Tom Selleck starred as Magnum

COMPE

TITION

An extra lightweight reclining stroller with adjustable footrest. The Turbo has a 5-point harness with padded shoulder straps for comfort and safety.

With its swivel/ lockable front wheels and large shopping basket the Turbo is the ideal runabout for town.

Win

For your chance to win, use the questions to fill out the crossword. The coloured squares are an anagram of a word linked to Hauck. Once you’ve worked that out, email your answer to competitions@fosterfamilies.co.uk with the subject line ‘Turbo’, or post it to: Competitions, Flat 2, 2a Brook Street, Worcester, WR1 1JB. Don’t forget to include your name and address. The first correct entry drawn will win the prize. The competition closes February 10th 2011.

Win Win personalised CDs and DVDs from Mediak Help the child in your care to feel special with these fantastic CDs and DVDs

We’ve teamed with Mediak to give two lucky readers the chance to win a personalised CD or DVD. Not only do the songs and rhymes mention the name of your foster child, but a three-lined personalised message printed on the front of the disc makes it the perfect gift!

For your chance to win, find the nine-letter word in the box below and email your answer to competitions@fosterfamilies.co.uk with the subject line ‘Mediak’, or post it to: Competitions, Flat 2, 2a Brook Street, Worcester, WR1 1JB. Don’t forget to include your name and address. The first correct entry drawn will win the prize. The competition closes February 10th 2011.

Visit www.kidsmusiccds.co.uk for more info.

D N M E G E S E T

“I received some Mediak DVDs as a prize and they have been invaluable! Our two foster children received one each - a boy of four years and a girl of eight years. Both DVDs mention their names many times and make the children feel very special and important! They love watching and interacting with the songs and stories, and they have something that belongs just to them and no one else!

They have been especially useful being played on their portable DVD players on long car journeys on our many trips to France.”

Sue Hill, foster carer.

How many words can you make using the letters in the box?

You can only use each letter once, but they can be used in any order (they don’t have to be connected). There is at least one nine-letter word to be found! Once you’ve found that, send it in with your name and address to enter our competition above.

Good luck!

This is not the full version - to read all the articles, subscribe for just £2. The printed copy comes out four times a year, and costs £7 to subscribe for the whole year. The printed copy has no extra adverts, just lots more advice, support, fun and personal articles.

Email subscriptions@fosterfamilies.co.uk or subscribe at www.fosterfamilies.co.uk.

Professional Development and Training for Foster Carers Positive Learning Ltd - Delivering professional training products and events specialising in Health and Social Care issues, with a particular focus on Safeguarding and Child Protection.

Foster carers can individually attend any of our courses and events held throughout the year or we can design and deliver In-house Training for Foster Care groups, agencies and organisations. - Helping foster carers gain practical skills and knowledge to enable them to overcome the challenges they encounter and ensuring young people in care maximise their potential. Examples of some of our training topics include: Dealing Eectively with Challenging Behaviour Child Protection and the Internet Supporting Young People Leaving Care Domestic Violence and the Impact on Child Development Managing ADHD and other Autistic Spectrum Disorders Children and Young People who Self-harm

Call 01243 544 960 or visit www.positivelearning.co.uk for more information on these and other topics available

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w m ee nn tt .. cc oo .. uu kk ww ww w .. cc ii ss -- aa ss ss ee ss ss m We provide carers and managers with easy to Easy to use assessments use assessments to evidence their knowledge to evidence knowledge for against Skills for Care Standards the CWDC Standards:

Common Induction Standards CWDC Induction Standards

Managers' Induction Foster Care and Short Break Standards Standards

LDQ Induction Standards Safeguarding Children

Knowledge Sets:

Supporting and enabling: Safeguarding Adults

Evidence portfolios Dementia

Supervision Medication

Personal Development Plans Infection Control

For a free evaluation, or more information contact:

For a free evaluation, or more information contact: tel: 0845 873 0373

tel: 0845 873 0373

email: support@cis-assessment.co.uk

email: info@cis-assessment.co.uk