The Mentoring Scheme for Foster Carers in Carmarthenshire was developed in response to a survey carried out by the National Foster Care Association. The survey highlighted:
- A need for improved support for foster carers
- Carers need support from other carers.
With financial support from the “Children First” programme, Carmarthenshire’s Education and Children’s Service decided to appoint 4 carers as “Mentors” covering 4 different areas within the county.
An outline of the Mentor’s role and responsibilities and the aims of the scheme were drawn up using the information gathered in the survey.
A Mentor should be:
- An experienced Foster Carer with at least 3 years post approval experience
- Skilled and able to provide support to carers individually and in groups
- Able to work with a range of professionals
- Willing to undertake training
- Willing to be flexible (e.g. with hours)
What does a Mentor do?
- Provides individual support to all foster carers on a regular basis
- Provides support to carers requiring help with particular situations, such as facing an allegation, returning to foster care after a break, or attendance at a Fostering Panel
- Contributes to the development of the Carmarthenshire Fostering Service
- Distributes relevant information to carers regarding research, training and new developments
- Encourages foster carer participation in developing the service
- Acts as an advocate/mediator for carers at formal meetings
- Encourages participation in Carmarthenshire’s Foster Care Association
How does the scheme work?
- All newly approved carers in the county are allocated a mentor
- Mentors offer support on a regular basis to all carers
- Mentors offer intensive support when necessary
- Mentors are now an established form of support for Carmarthenshire foster carers.
What are the aims of the service?
- To provide additional impartial support to foster carers within Carmarthenshire
- To liaise with relevant professionals where concerns arise
- To contribute to the development of departmental policy
- To work in partnership with all agencies to contribute to ongoing improvement and development of services for foster carers and looked after children and young people.
For further information about the Mentoring scheme contact:
Shirley Grinter
Fostering Support Team Manager
Education and Children’s Services
Carmarthenshire County Council
Ty Elwyn
Llanelli
SA15 3AP
Tel: 01554 742380
e-mail at: SGrinter@carmarthenshire.gov.uk