Day in the Life of Foster Carer Support Worker Leah
Have you ever wondered about what working for a fostering agency looks like?
We recently sat down with Leah to find out more about her role as a Foster Carer Support Worker.
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Leah, and I have worked with children and families since I was 18 years old. Over this time, I have worked in various roles, including managing nurseries and supporting parents through conflict, helping them work together for the best interest of their children. This has put me in good stead for the job role as a support worker.
I was interested in the support worker role because I wanted to develop my skills in this sector. I believe it’s important for children to have the best opportunities in life, so being able to support them and the foster carer means a lot to me.
What does your current role involve?
I support foster carers, children and young people with anything they require, whether that’s helping with well-being, managing dysregulated behaviour due to trauma, or assisting foster carers with filling in their TSDs (training, support and development standards for foster care) booklet. I provide weekly calls and monthly visits to foster families, working alongside supervising social workers to ensure the best outcomes.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My typical day can vary in different ways. For instance, I could be providing one-to-one support sessions for foster carers or making calls when foster carers require support during the day. I also make welcome visits to the foster carers and children.
What’s the best thing about your role?
The best thing about my role is building good relationships with the foster carers and the children, as well as being a little part in changing a child’s life.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering fostering?
I think it is important to know what fostering entails and to do research about this. Unity Foster Care provides great support to foster carers and the children, through the different events they do throughout the year.
What do you get up to in your spare time?
In my spare time, I like to socialise with friends and family. I also enjoy exploring different cities, going on holiday, and watching Netflix.
Could you make a positive difference to a vulnerable child or young person? Get in touch today to learn more about fostering. You’ll need to be over age 25, have an available spare bedroom, and have UK citizenship.
Start a conversation by calling us on 0333 772 2333. Alternatively, book an initial chat to find out more about the fostering process.