Why Foster For Synergy Fostering?

We are a child focussed Independent Fostering organisation with a clear mission to provide safety, security and the development of children in our care. This ideal is very important if we are to support, empower and develop our Foster Carers with the task of fostering. You may say we are just another Independent Fostering Agency. We are an Independent Fostering Agency that has strong principles:

Professional Parenting - Your parenting skills will have a direct impact on the outcome of a placement. This however cannot be achieved unless you are open to training and development.

We support you 24/7 by listening, consulting and provide training, qualifications, supervision and peer group support.

The name Synergy Fostering was chosen to reflect our belief that working together towards a common goal will deliver a benefit to the child which is far greater than any one agency could deliver alone.

We also have values and hope you are able to share them:

• PEOPLE
  We will promote diversity in our organisation and everyone's opinion will be considered and valued.

You're probably thinking, will they really listen? We are realistic what we can consider and are open about this.

• SUPPORT
  We will support you in your training and development so that you can support the foster child or young person.

This can only be achieved if we have your commitment.

• INTEGRITY
  It is always our intention to do what we say we will do, and to only commit to actions that we believe we can achieve.

We would expect that any of our carers would have the same commitment.

• FLEXIBILITY
  Our service will always be in the best interests of the child. Sometimes we will need to do things in a special way or take actions that are not in our self-interest but in the interest of the child.

Your commitment here is absolutely necessary otherwise the child may not achieve as well as they could. Fostering as a service has changed, you need to be prepared for the demands it may have on you, your family and friends.

• INVOLVEMENT
  It is our intention to take a holistic approach to our work, by involving people in the decisions that we take and at each stage of the plans, which we implement.

Good communication is the key here on both parts. Remember you need to maintain this with anyone involved with the child, their family and professionals to avoid misunderstanding.

• PROFESSIONAL
  Always be professional and helpful. There will be times when decisions are made by other professionals (i.e. Social Services or the Agency). It is important that you remain professional when making your views known.

Being professional is also working as part of a team with families and professionals whether you get on with them or not.

• SAFETY
  The decisions and choices that we make will always be those that are most likely to result in the safety for everyone who is involved in the organisation, in particular the child or young person in our care.

You know how important safety is to your family therefore the same should apply to fostering. Being open is essential if you are to succeed with the child you are caring for and avoiding any potential risks.

As a foster carer, you need to respect the rights of the children you are fostering and their family. Remember you are in a position of authority as a foster carer so you must be careful that you do not abuse it!