fostering near me

News & Blogs

Read our latest news and blog posts, plus some of the incredible things our foster families have been up to...

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May 12 2025 12:00

Foster Care Meetings: What New Foster Parents Need to Know

Latest blogs

If you’re new to fostering, you may wonder what kind of meetings you’ll need to attend as part of your role. In this article, we explore foster care meetings in detail, including the types of meetings you’ll attend, how often they’ll occur, who else will attend, and how to prepare.

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Self Care

May 5 2025 14:08

The Ultimate Self-Care Guide for Foster Parents

Latest blogs

Fostering is an incredibly rewarding career, but it can feel like a rollercoaster at times as you balance navigating the ups and downs while caring for your mental and physical wellbeing. This Mental Health Awareness Week we’re raising awareness with our top 10 self-care tips for foster parents.

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April 8 2025 11:03

My First Month with a Foster Child

Latest blogs

We’re sharing expert tips from our foster parents on how to have a successful first month with your foster child. Plus download our First Month Checklist to help you stay organised.

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March 11 2025 9:40

Should I Foster or Adopt?

Latest blogs

If you're trying to choose between fostering and adoption, this guide will help weigh up the options to decide which is right for you.

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February 18 2025 12:00

Back-Up Foster Parents & Family Members: What’s Their Role?

Latest blogs

Fostering is a family effort, whether you're single or in a couple, and having a strong support network is essential. At Orange Grove, we encourage foster families to nominate back-up carers during assessment to provide vital support. But what do back-up foster parents do, and why are they so important? Read on to learn how they can make fostering more fulfilling for both you and the child in your care.

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January 12 2025 12:00

Sibling Jealousy When a New Child Moves Into the Home

Latest blogs

Discover the causes of sibling jealousy and learn how to ensure every child in your home feels cherished, valued, and loved. Support your children through changes in family dynamics, reassuring them that your love remains unchanged, even with the addition of a new sibling.

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effects of sibling separation in foster care

December 10 2024 12:00

The Impact of Sibling Separation

Latest blogs

Many children in care have siblings. These connections provide stability, comfort and security when children move into care. But what happens when siblings are separated? In this article, we look at the effects of separating siblings in foster care.

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Ways to Make a Foster Child Feel Special at Christmas

November 25 2024 12:00

Foster Care at Christmas: Make a Child Feel Special

Latest blogs

As the festive season approaches, our foster carers share their tips on how to make a foster child feel special and part of the family at Christmas.

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November 14 2024 12:00

Signs It's Time to Transfer Fostering Agency

Latest blogs

Fostering is rewarding but comes with its challenges. The right agency will support you with guidance from a dedicated team. No matter your experience, it’s worth reflecting on your journey to see if another agency could better meet your needs. Here are some signs it may be time to consider switching.

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Are My Children Ready To Foster

October 22 2024 12:00

Are My Children Ready to Foster?

Family hub

Deciding to foster is a life-changing journey for your entire family. This blog explores how to assess your child's readiness for fostering, the benefits of fostering as a family, and practical tips for a smooth transition.

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Who can be a foster parent

October 1 2024 10:00

Qualities Which Make a Great Foster Parent

Latest blogs

Let’s reflect upon some of the amazing personality traits which make a great foster parent.

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foster parent working

September 30 2024 12:00

5 benefits of fostering while working

Latest blogs

Let’s explore 5 reasons why working alongside fostering might be the right choice for you and your fostering family.

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September 11 2024 12:00

What Disqualifies You from Being a Foster Parent?

Latest blogs

You may still foster with a criminal conviction, but serious offences like violent, sexual crimes or those against children will disqualify you.

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Supporting Foster Children at Scool

September 2 2024 12:00

Supporting Foster Children at School

Latest blogs

Children in care often face extra challenges returning to school due to past upheaval and instability in their lives. Foster parent, Caroline, shares her best advice.

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Prepare For First Foster Child

August 28 2024 12:00

How to Prepare for Your First Foster Child

Latest blogs

Read some advice from our foster carers on how to prepare for the arrival of your first foster child.

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Do you need experience to foster a child

July 9 2024 12:00

Which type of fostering is best for my family?

Latest blogs

While we encourage foster parents to be open to all kinds of fostering, it’s natural that certain types will appeal to you more than others.

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June 12 2024 12:00

Making a Splash with Olympic Swimmer Becky Adlington

News

Five lucky children from our North West team had an unforgettable day swimming with Olympic gold medalist Becky Adlington and seeing all her medals.

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lgbt foster carers

June 1 2024 12:00

Fostering with Pride: A Celebration of LGBTQIA+ Foster Families

Latest blogs

To celebrate Pride, we’re highlighting the invaluable role which our LGBTQIA+ foster parents play in changing the lives of young people across the UK.

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Orange Grove Yorkshire Ofsted Outstanding

May 22 2024 12:00

Yorkshire Rated Ofsted Outstanding

News

Our Yorkshire fostering team have received their third ‘Outstanding’ rating following an official inspection from Ofsted earlier this year. 

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Mental Health Problems

May 8 2024 12:00

Caring For Your Mental Health as a Foster Parent

Latest blogs

Fostering is rewarding, but it comes with unique challenges that require prioritising your mental health. So, here is a guide to taking care of your mental health as a foster parent.

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April 10 2024 12:00

Can you take a foster child on holiday?

Latest blogs

In our latest blog, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions we're asked about taking a foster child on holiday.

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March 15 2024 9:00

Can I Foster While Renting?

Latest blogs

We’ve put together some information about mortgages for foster carers if you are a renter wanting to buy your first property.

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Orange Grove's Guide To Fostering Allowances, Tax, National Insurance, Benefits And More

February 29 2024 12:00

A Simple Guide to Fostering Finances

Latest blogs

Discover how fostering allowances work, plus tax, benefits, pensions, and more.

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Reasons to Foster a Child

January 1 2024 8:00

4 Reasons to Foster a Child in 2024

Latest blogs

Discover compelling reasons to foster a child in our latest blog. Learn how you can make a meaningful impact on a child's life.

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December 20 2023 9:00

Supporting Your Foster Child at Christmas

Latest blogs

We look at ways to support the child in your care at Christmas, so you can all enjoy the magic of the season together.

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November 22 2023 12:00

How to Manage your Money While Fostering

Latest blogs

Whether you're already a foster parent or are considering becoming one, being in control of your finances will help you make the most out of fostering. You'll also be able to plan for the future while giving the child in your care new experiences and opportunities.

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October 25 2023 9:00

Activities to Help Children Manage Anger

Latest blogs

Discover six therapeutic activities you can use to help the child in your care express their feelings of anger while developing their emotional regulation skills too.

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October 12 2023 12:00

Talking to Children About War & Conflict

Latest blogs

Learn about "remote exposure" and how war can indirectly affect young people in care. Plus, how to talk to children about war and conflict.

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September 11 2023 12:00

Bedroom Ideas for Foster Parents

Latest blogs

As a new foster parent, you might wonder how to make the bedroom good enough. Use the ideas listed below to ensure your first foster child enjoys their new room.

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August 16 2023 12:00

Why Matching is So Important in Fostering

Latest blogs

Why does the matching process matter so much in foster care? There are numerous compelling reasons, and we're here to share them with you. Keep reading to find out.

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Preparing for exams

July 12 2023 8:00

Preparing for Exams with a Foster Child

Latest blogs

If a young person in your care is taking exams this year, then here are some practical ways that you can support them.

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June 1 2023 12:00

10 Childrens TV Shows, Films and Books with LGBTQ Characters

Latest blogs

Creating a space where children and teenagers feel safe to explore their sexuality and gender identity is vital for their long-term mental wellbeing.

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Foster Care Fortnight 2023

May 15 2023 8:00

Inspired to Foster this Foster Care Fortnight 2023?

News

During Foster Care Fortnight, we celebrate the incredible efforts of foster parents throughout the UK. Now, more than ever, we need more amazing foster families to make a difference. Are you ready to explore the possibility of fostering?

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May 2 2023 12:00

How Will Things Change Now That We Foster?

Family hub

Are you and your family considering fostering, but worried about how it might impact your lives? Take a look at some of the ways that your family might change now that it has taken on this new role.

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Support For Birth Children Who Foster

May 1 2023 12:00

6 Activities to Help Your Children Prepare for Fostering

Latest blogs

Consider these activities to engage your biological children while preparing to bring a foster child into your household.

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Ofsted Outstanding Fostering Agency Sussex, London And Essex

April 25 2023 12:00

Ofsted 'Outstanding' for our Southern Counties' team

News

Our Southern Counties' fostering team has received an Ofsted 'Outstanding' in all areas for the second time in a row.

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April 25 2023 6:00

Activities to Build Self-Esteem in Teenagers

Latest blogs

We look at some flexible ideas for things you can encourage teens to do, or do with them as a foster family, to help them develop positive self-esteem

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Single foster carer

April 17 2023 12:00

How to Increase Your Support Network as a Single Foster Parent

Latest blogs

If you are single but still want to make a life-changing difference to a young person, then a career in fostering may be the perfect role for you.

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April 17 2023 12:00

How Can I Help Welcome a New Child into My Home?

Family hub

There are lots of things you can do to help your parents to make that child feel welcome. Here are a few...

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Fostering as a single person

April 1 2023 12:00

How to Foster a Child When You're Single

Latest blogs

We look at how you as a single person can become a foster parent, and what to expect from the process around it.

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What Is Autism

March 28 2023 12:00

10 Amazing Reasons to Foster an Autistic Child

Latest blogs

Fostering an autistic child can be a truly life-changing experience, for both the child and the foster family

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Fostering As A Birth Child

March 27 2023 12:00

Fostering as a Birth Child Explained

Family hub

Fostering as a birth child means growing up in a household where your parents are foster carers and you share your home with foster children.

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foster carer tax relief

March 16 2023 12:00

Spring Budget 2023: Tax Relief Boost for Foster Parents

News

New foster parent tax relief rates have recently been announced by the government. Here's how they might affect you...

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March 1 2023 12:00

Preparing for Mother's Day with a Foster Child

Latest blogs

As a foster parent, you may be wondering the best way to navigate Mother's Day or Father's Day -especially if it’s your first year with a child or young person in your care.

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February 13 2023 12:00

Money-saving tips for foster parents

Latest blogs

Check out our money-saving tips that will help you save where you can and make your money go further.

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February 5 2023 8:00

Internet Safety for Children

Latest blogs

The internet is a great tool but it does need your help to make it a safe place for children and young people.

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Orange Grove North West Fostering Agency Ofsted Oustanding

February 1 2023 12:00

Ofsted 'Outstanding' for our North West team

News

Our North West fostering team has been awarded 'Outstanding' in their latest Ofsted inspections - they've now been Ofsted 'Oustanding' for almost a decade!

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January 8 2023 8:00

7 Lessons Your Children Could Learn Through Fostering

Latest blogs

Check out these fantastic life lessons that your children could learn through your decision to become a foster family.

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December 27 2022 12:00

The New Year's Resolution That Will Change a Child’s Life

Latest blogs

Before you choose a New Year's Resolution like finding a new hobby or improving your health, why not consider making a New Year’s Resolution that will help others and change lives?

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December 9 2022 7:00

9 Tips for Your First Christmas with a Foster Child

Latest blogs

As a foster parent, it’s up to you to make this winter celebration magical for the children in your care. Here are nine tips for your first Christmas with a foster child.

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November 24 2022 8:00

5 Ways Christmas Might Be Different for Fostered Children

Latest blogs

Christmas is coming up and you want to get it right with your foster child, you should first understand these five ways Christmas might be different for them.

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November 10 2022 8:00

John Lewis Christmas Ad has the perfect message

Latest blogs

Forget talking animals and dancing snowmen – this year’s John Lewis Christmas advert is about as real as it gets. Raising awareness for the hundreds of thousands of children in care in the UK.

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Building Trust With Foster Kids

November 7 2022 11:00

6 Ways Foster Parents Can Connect with their Child

Latest blogs

Wondering how to connect with a child in your foster family? Here are six tips for building the connection that is so essential in foster families.

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November 3 2022 8:00

10 Reasons Why You Should Foster a Child

Latest blogs

If you’re considering fostering, there are many reasons you should. If you need any more convincing, take a look at these ten reasons why you should foster a child.

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October 17 2022 10:00

How to choose the right foster care agency for you?

Latest blogs

If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, then picking the right fostering agency is important. But how do you choose a fostering agency that is right for you?

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October 3 2022 12:00

Young Person in Care Cuts Hair For Cancer Charity

News

One of our children has cut off her long hair and donated it to The Little Princess Trust, raising over £500 for the charity.

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October 3 2022 11:00

7 Benefits of Keeping Siblings Together in Foster Care

Latest blogs

If you’re on the fence about whether to foster single children or siblings, find out why keeping siblings together is so important and why it's so rewarding.

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September 27 2022 12:00

"That's why I want to say thank you"

News

A young person in our care submitted a beautiful poem for our writing competition, thanking his foster parents for everything they do for him.

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September 9 2022 11:00

Top 10 Questions to Ask When Caring for a New Foster Child

Latest blogs

There are loads you'll have when thinking about fostering, we have popped together the top ten questions that you should ask when caring for a new foster child.

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August 23 2022 12:00

A Letter To My Younger Self

News

We asked some of our children to think about the things they would tell their younger selves when they first arrived in foster care. Here's what they shared...

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August 1 2022 8:33

5 Ways To Bond With Your First Foster Child

Latest blogs

Welcoming your first foster child into the home is extremely exciting but also potentially very nerve-wracking.

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Fostering and Birth Children

June 23 2022 8:00

Fostering and Birth Children – FAQs and Advice

Latest blogs

Fostering while you have birth children might concern you. Hopefully, the answers to these frequently asked questions will put your mind at ease.

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June 9 2022 8:00

How to Tell Your Spouse You Want to Foster

Latest blogs

Fostering is a caring and wonderful pursuit. You need both spouses on board, though, so here’s how to tell your spouse you want to foster. 

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June 2 2022 8:00

Ayeisha McFerran foster story - Be inspired to care

Latest blogs

Olympic Hockey star Ayeisha McFerran opens up about her childhood in foster care and hopes that the support she has received throughout her life inspires others to get into fostering.

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5 Fostering Myths Debunked

May 27 2022 12:00

Five Fostering Myths Debunked

Latest blogs

We're on a myth-busting mission to dispel some of the commonly held myths surrounding fostering in a bid to encourage more people to consider fostering.

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Foster Childs Birthday party

May 19 2022 8:00

Tips to Make Your Foster Child’s Birthday Special

Latest blogs

Having a foster child is a fantastic experience. So, how do you make your foster child’s birthday special? Read on for some tips. 

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Fostering With Pets

April 22 2022 9:00

Fostering with pets

Latest blogs

As part of National Pet Month 2022, a Yorkshire based foster child has spoken out about the benefits their furry friend brings to their life.

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Can I Get a Mortgage if I’m a Foster Parent?

April 4 2022 8:00

Can I Get a Mortgage if I’m a Foster Carer?

Latest blogs

Many foster carers wonder whether they can use their foster income for a mortgage. Foster carers should have no problem getting on the property ladder.

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fostering network sons and daughters month

October 22 2021 12:00

Sons and Daughters Month 2021

News

As part of Sons and Daughters month, our Yorkshire team thanks the birth children of our foster parents for the important role they play within a fostering family.

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Charity Partnership with ASDAN

June 21 2020 12:00

Southern Counties Charity Partnership with ASDAN

News

Our Southern Counties team announces charity partnership with the education charity, Award Scheme Development Accreditation Network (ASDAN) to improve the lives of children and young people in care.

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April 6 2020 12:00

Fostering Assessments during social distancing

News

We're still recruiting foster parents during these challenging times and are now undertaking virtual fostering assessments and training.

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January 31 2020 12:00

Orange Grove Yorkshire Office ‘Outstanding’ for Two Consecutive Ofsted Inspections

News

Our Yorkshire team is celebrating after receiving its second consecutive Outstanding Ofsted report since 2016.

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Milton Keynes team 12-Hour Cyclathon for Children In Need

November 22 2019 12:00

Team MK Take On 12-Hour Cyclathon for Children In Need

News

Our Milton Keynes team took on the impressive challenge of a 12-hour cyclathon and raised more than £560 for Children in Need.

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September 25 2019 12:00

Fostering When You Have a Child – Why You Should Consider it!

Latest blogs

Fostering when you have a child of your own living at home can be an enriching and rewarding experience that your whole family benefits from.

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August 23 2019 12:00

Celebrating LGBTQ+ Fostering at Brighton Pride

News

Our Southern Counties team attended Brighton Pride to encourage others within the LGBTQ+ community to consider fostering.

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June 25 2019 12:00

North West Rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted

News

Our North West office is celebrating after receiving a second consecutive 'Outstanding' Ofsted report since 2015.

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March 27 2019 12:00

Southern Counties Rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted

News

We’re proud to announce that our Southern Counties team have been rated as ‘Outstanding’ following an official inspection from Ofsted.

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December 20 2018 12:00

Food Bank Appeal Success

News

We've been busy gathering food donations over the festive period to donate to food banks up and down the country, including the Trussell Trust.

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December 13 2018 12:00

How To Encourage Learning Over Christmas

Latest blogs

Christmas can provide many opportunities for our children and young people to practice the skills they have been learning at school.

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December 6 2018 12:00

How You Can Help Your Child Deal with Frustration and Anger

Latest blogs

Many of the children and young people coming into care suffer from severe emotional delays, often due to their past experience of neglect and abuse.

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October 15 2018 12:00

Southern Counties Charity Abseil

News

A team of daredevil staff and young people from our Southern Counties team took part in a charity abseil recently at Blackland Farm in East Grinstead.

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October 4 2018 12:00

Poetry Competition Winner

News

As National Poetry Day began to approach we launched a poetry competition for all of our foster children and birth children to take part in.

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June 19 2018 12:00

Summer Kitchen Project Launch

News

We’re encouraging children to grow and cook with their own fruit and vegetables with our Summer Kitchen Project.

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April 10 2018 12:00

National Siblings Day 2018

Latest blogs

Today, we are proudly supporting National Siblings Day – a day to mark and honour the lifelong bonds between brothers and sisters.

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April 4 2018 12:00

What to do the first day with a new foster child

Latest blogs

Our foster carers share their thoughts on the most important things you should do on the first day with a foster child to help them settle.

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March 28 2018 12:00

How to Support Your Own Children When Fostering

Latest blogs

Our foster carers share some invaluable advice on how to support your own children when you're new to fostering.

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June 20 2017 12:00

A Celebration for Foster Carers’ Children

News

We recently held our annual celebration of our wonderful birth children – our way of saying thank you to them for opening their hearts and homes to our foster children.

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May 27 2017 12:00

Foster Care Fortnight Celebration

News

As part of the Fostering Network’s national Foster Care Fortnight campaign, our team at Three Shires attended a special celebration lunch in Milton Keynes.

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May 8 2017 12:00

Foster Care Fortnight: Foster Care Transforms Lives

Latest blogs

Being a foster carer is a career like no other and makes such a difference to the lives of many children.

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March 6 2017 12:00

Preparing Young People For The World Of Work

News

Our London and Essex team recently held a CV Writing and Interview Skills Workshop to support young people with applying for jobs and apprenticeships.

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October 7 2016 12:00

What is fostering like for the sons and daughters of foster carers?

Latest blogs

We asked our sons and daughters what fostering is like for them - discover their poems and drawings about fostering.

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June 16 2016 12:00

Celebrating Sons and Daughters in Fostering

News

A fun-filled time was had by all at our Fostering Weekend as we took to the forest to celebrate our wonderful fostering sons and daughters.

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January 8 2016 12:00

How important is it for foster children to stay in one place?

Latest blogs

It's hugely important that children in care experience a stable family home environment that remains consistent in their often turbulent early lives.

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short term v long term fostering

October 5 2015 12:00

Understanding the differences between long-term vs short-term fostering: which type of fostering is right for my family?

Latest blogs

Let’s explore the differences between long-term and short-term foster care and things to consider when deciding which style of fostering will be a good fit for you and your family.

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