1. ‘The regional news where you are…’

2. Regional consultants in SW, NW & NE since Sept 2006 Regional consultants: – bring the Fostering Network closer to members – offer better value for money for services – allow for more participation by and support for foster carers.

3. The vision Foster carers see themselves as part of a national service and a national workforce. We are stronger together - foster carers see the relevance and value in participating in our consultations and surveys e.g delegated responsibility. The Fostering Network can support it’s claim to be the national Voice of Foster care.

4. What I found - the invisible service Services that purchase membership for carers did not promote or explain it. Foster carers who were members didn’t know they were members. SSWs did not discuss it with their carers. Trainers on the Skills to Foster courses didn’t mention it. Some people thought the Fostering Network was an independent fostering provider. Confusion existed about Legal Helpline and Fosterline. Lack of awareness about resources available

5. Benefit to our region A membership benefit! A resource and signposting service to managers, social workers and to foster carers Training Forum – currently running in NE Training & seminars – e.g allegations, CWDC Projects

6. Rapid Response and links with other regions and Fosterline Joining things up - contributions to fostering services’ Newsletters FCAs- liasion, support Awards events Consultations.

7. Thank you Lynn Woodhouse Lynn.woodhouse@fostering.net 01642 789637