Foster Families

Our foster families are chosen carefully, checked and trained to look after other peoples' children; they have their own worker who visits them in their home to make sure they are doing their job well.

By the Bridge foster families understand that they can never take your place; they appreciate how important you are in the lives of your children, even though you may not be able to live together now.

Holidays

We are sure that you agree that taking holidays is good for people. We think that holidays are an important part of childhood; they provide opportunities to see new places, take part in different activities and to relax.

Our foster families are expected to take their foster children on holiday each year.

Because the work of foster families is looking after children, they need their own time off too.

When the foster family has their holiday, your child will stay with another family who has been selected by us and trained in the same way (this is sometimes called respite). This family will normally live in the same area so that your child can continue with school and clubs and keep in touch with their friends.

You will be told by your social worker if your child moves from one family to another.

Contact

Some families meet their children in their own area, perhaps at a Family Centre. Some children
go to their own homes for family visits. Sometimes, the social worker or the court will decide
that you should meet at By the Bridge. These meetings are called 'contact'.

When you meet your children at By the Bridge one of our workers will be there with you, this worker is called a 'contact supervisor'. Their job is to report to Social Services on the good things, as well as any problems, that you and your child experience during contact. The contact supervisor is not there to advise you.

At your first contact at By the Bridge you will be given a copy of the form the contact supervisor will be using to write their report.

If you would like to have copies of the written reports, please request these from your social worker.

Reviews & Meetings

During the time that your child is with By the Bridge there will be regular meetings to find out what your child needs, to see what progress is being made and to plan for the future.

Your social worker arranges these meetings and lets you know the dates and where they will be held. It is very important that you attend these meetings so that your ideas about what is best for your child are heard and so that your child knows he or she is important to you.

The other people who may be invited to attend these meetings are:

* Your child, if he or she is old enough 

* Your child's social worker

* The foster parents

* The foster family worker from By the Bridge

* Teacher

* Therapist

* Guardian ad litem

* Youth worker

The meetings will usually be run by an independent person who does not work for By the Bridge
or Social Services. By the Bridge writes a report about your child for these meetings, there will
be a copy for you to take away with you.

Your Opinion Counts

We know that children do best if they have help from their parents. We want you to feel welcome at By the Bridge and to know that we think that your working with us to help your child is vital.

If you have any questions or ideas please ask to talk to the Services Manager.

Knowing what you think, good or bad, helps us do our work with your child.

By the Bridge is registered as a fostering provider with OFSTED, their telephone number is 0207 242 2856.