We are committed to providing a high level of support to our foster carers which includes the following:
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Every carer is allocated a link social worker from the Fostering Team who can provide advice and assistance in addition to support from the child’s social worker
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Carers have contact with other carers and support groups
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During evenings, weekends and holidays there is an Emergency Duty Team on call
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A team of social workers and psychologist providing therapeutic support to both children and their carers
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A dedicated team to assist if the child is experiencing difficulties at school
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A weekly allowance to cover the cost of looking after each child (This amount varies depending on the age of the child)
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Expenses such as bus fares and car mileage are paid to carers who take a child to school
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Contract foster carers receive an additional weekly fee, paid in recognition of the particular skills and requirements needed to be this type of carer
Training
ALL Gateshead Foster Carers receive the following training:
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Basic preparation course, run by social workers and experienced carers before becoming a foster carer
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Ongoing training, including ‘first aid’ and ‘managing challenging behaviour’
In addition, Contract| and Home from Home| foster carers receive additional, specialist training, relevant to their specific roles.