South West Forum of FCAs Meeting
17 March 2009
Hankridge Arms, Taunton Somerset TA1 2LR
Present
Richard LyndonCornwall FC Network & SW Co-ordinator
Wendy LyndonCornwall FC Network & SW Co-ordinator
Gail ChilcottWiltshire FCA
Vicki HallWiltshire FCA
Neil RobertsTaunton & Wellington & West Somerset
Ann HaywardSouth Somerset
Mike HaywardSouth Somerset
Sarah LaneSwindon FCA
Alan RoblinBristol
Rita RoblinBristol
Fiona Healey the Fostering Network
Jim BondChair – the Fostering Network &
Essex FC Council
Apologies
Jacky Sladethe Fostering Network & SW Regional Consultant
Ann KhambattaPoole FC Voice
We welcomed Jim Bond, he gave a general talk on fostering and the work of the Fostering Network. Open forum discussions and networking a great benefit to us all, it is good to see how other areas work and manage etc. Encouraged us to get members in our own areas to participate in the Fostering Network elections.
Bristol receives funding for FCAs social events and children’s get togethers.
A discussion on the CWDC Standards, some areas have not started this yet and other areas are doing well. Swindon FCA has elected two members who have taken on board the “training” of this task and have run CWDC workshops. They seem to have got the gist of what is required and showed us some of their work and how they have put folders together etc. Well done!
Other areas have been slow to take this on board and other areas have had difficulty with workers not yet being ready and not quite understanding the work involved. Expecting too much and of a much higher standard than is required.
More information is available from –
and Tel:- 0113 244 6311
Tower Hamlets have fast tracked their FC who have completed their NVQ/3 in a very short time, Michael Dolphin had only taken a few days in the FC’s completion of the Standards etc.
Fiona promoted the conference Achievements and Aspirations being held in London on 26 and 27 June. Places are still available. Cornwall had 4 foster carers attending.
Allegations against foster carers are still a very deep concern amongst everyone. The process seems to be unfair and everyone agreed that there seems to be an attitude of guilty before the investigation starts. Not many printed procedures which would be helpful and necessary in supporting carers going through this terrible process.
Cornwall had been informed that their handbook was now officially at the printers, carers are looking forward to the delivery of this.
Next meeting
17 June 2009 at 12 midday – Hankridge Arms, Taunton.