- The child’s wishes and feelings are important. They may be best ascertained by independent advocacy, particularly when there is dispute about contact arrangements. Remember that children’s wishes and feelings are not static and will need to be sensitively reviewed regularly.
- Any risk factors may change over time and will need to be regularly assessed and reviewed. These may include family dynamics or changes in relation to addiction, mental health, or other factors. The Independent Reviewing Officer should ensure contact/ family time is addressed within each of the child’s statutory review meetings.
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Key issues to consider with contact/ family time arrangements:
- Clarity on the purpose/ frequency/ duration and any support/ supervision that will be in place may be helpful to all parties. Discuss with the child’s social worker how arrangements may best meet the needs of the child considering their schooling, favorite hobbies or leisure activities attended, age and their care routines. Frequency of contact/ family time may change over time depending on what is in the best interests of the child and their care plan.
- Try to build positive, nonjudgmental relationships with parent(s) and those significant to the child within clear boundaries wherever possible. Avoid disputes particularly in the presence of the child. Explore any issues with your supervising social worker. Consider social media use carefully within your safer caring plan.
- Consider how indirect contact such as phone calls, virtual online sessions, letters or cards, and for older children, social media, may support any in person contact/ family time, and any guidelines needed for this to happen. Such contact is usually considered as a supplement to in person time, rather than as a replacement, but may also be used when levels of risk prevent in person contact or when distances/logistics make it impractical.
- A Supervision Agreement may be appropriate in some circumstances particularly if the foster carer is asked to supervise any contact. This can help to clarify their role, such as any recording notes that will be made and if these will need to be made available to the court. It may also document who will provide any personal care to the child if needed during the session, and any reporting requirements the foster carer may need to satisfy for example in the event of any safeguarding issue, etc.
- Help prepare and involve children with their family time. Encourage them to share their news - they may want to take an example of recent schoolwork, help bake a cake, or perhaps choose or make token gifts for their loved ones especially if close to a birthday, Christmas, or other special day.
- If attendance at contact is irregular/unreliable, explore with the child’s social worker any measures that can be put in place to minimise the impact of this on the child.
- Be prepared for possible upset before and after contact and monitor any changes carefully. This may not automatically mean that the contact is not in the child’s best interests. They may struggle with the transition process or feel in a safe place with you to express their emotions of sadness and loss. Listen and make sure others involved in the child’s care such as school are aware of when any family time/contact is due to take place so that they can also monitor any impact. Discuss any concerns with your supervising social worker and the child’s social worker.
- Supporting family time/contact as a foster carer can be stressful and raise a host of emotions. Seek support from your fostering service and be aware of other support services available via any membership service in place or via Fosterline Counselling service.
- When a child moves on to another foster family, the previous foster carer(s) may be significant to the child and have family time/contact arrangements made (direct or indirect), when it is in the child’s best interests to do so. Photographs and memories can be recorded to include in the child’s lifestory book.
Fosterline are here to support you if you wish to discuss any issues around contact/ family time in confidence with one of our friendly, knowledgeable advisors.
