The Power of Relationships: Blogs

In terms of relationships, in foster care It’s about being able to build positive rapport, support families to make change and of course, care for our young people.

Our working relationships help us to identify needs and risks, understand the tensions and networks. If there's a bit of dispute, it inevitably runs down to the child. So just being able to facilitate that means everything to me.  It’s the outcome of identifying the needs of the children and the families that I support.

Disputes can be challenging but sometimes we're not all singing from the same hymn sheet, which is OK because that's multi-agency working, and we will all have our views. Ultimately, it's all about what's best for the child and keeping that the primary focus.

It's making the best decision for them in line with their age and development as well as current needs, but future needs as well and working to support the foster carers to facilitate that. Relationships power these decisions daily.

Usually this can involve be two or three other professionals, maybe their school, depending on what it is, but supportive relationships help us arrive at the best decision for the child involved.

I’ve also been thrilled to be involved in our Mockingbird constellation, and I've spoken to two cared for children involved and they really do enjoy it. Just seeing their pictures where they’re meeting other young people is wonderful, and again, reinforces the network and power of the relationships within our fostering community.  Relationships are not just part of the process they are the foundation of change, care, and better outcomes.