Board Manager's Blog (February 2024) Tue 13 Feb 2024
Blog from the BDSCP & BSAB Business Unit Manager for February 2024
February 2024: "Finding Light in February: From Awareness to Action"
Hi everyone! Darren Minton here with the February monthly Safeguarding Blog. I hope the recent snowy day didn't catch you out! I always find it curious how January always seems to stretch on, maybe it’s just the dark nights and cold weather? Yet here we are in mid-February, nearly stepping into the longer days, brighter mornings, and the budding promise of Spring.
However, with its chilly charm, February brings us Valentine's Day—but also marks the vibrant and hopeful celebrations of the Chinese New Year. For those who observe, I wish you a joyous and prosperous Year of the Dragon, a symbol of strength, courage and good fortune. May it bring happiness and good health to you and your loved ones.
Have you noticed the supermarkets are starting to sell the Daffodils, and the shelves are crammed with Easter Eggs another clear sign it will soon be Spring …. we are nearly there everyone.
February has been particularly poignant for me. On the 6th, I had the privilege of speaking at the Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Awareness Day, which coincided with Race Equality Week. It was an enlightening experience to share thoughts alongside dedicated colleagues from the Police, and Peacemakers International. Their tireless work in raising awareness about this grave issue is nothing short of inspiring. A heartfelt acknowledgement to Cllrs Aneela Ahmed and Joanne Dodds, who are steadfast ambassadors in this cause. All your efforts shine a light on the path to change. I have shared with you a couple of websites on this issue.
Private Fostering
Now, If I may, let's gently shift our focus to a topic that deserves our attention—Private Fostering. It's a term that comes into play when a child or young person under 16 (or under 18, if they have a disability) lives with someone other than a parent or close relative for 28 days or more.
Since the Children Act 2004, it's been crucial for local authorities to be aware of these arrangements. Our role is to ensure these children are safe and their needs are met, affirming that private fostering is cared for with as much importance as any other safeguarding issue.
Private fostering stands distinct from traditional fostering, offering a different pathway for children needing care. It's about community members stepping in to provide a nurturing environment for children and young people who, for various reasons, cannot live at home.
Private fostering arrangements can arise from various situations—family breakdowns, educational opportunities, or simply providing a caring home when it's most needed. It's about ensuring every child can thrive in a safe, supportive environment.
Why Foster in Bradford: A Supportive Journey Awaits
If you're contemplating a role that's rewarding and deeply supportive, you're looking in the right direction by considering fostering in Bradford.
Support and Guidance Every Step of the Way
Our foster carers are never alone. They benefit from 24/7 professional support and guidance, ensuring they have the knowledge and confidence to provide the best possible care. This support network is designed to help you become the best carer you can be, offering a helping hand whenever you need it.
Dedicated Social Worker Support
A cornerstone of our support system is the dedicated social worker assigned to each of our foster carers. This relationship is pivotal, offering consistent, reflective supervision and support tailored to the needs of the children in your care. Your social worker is there to listen, advise, and ensure you receive appropriate support, building a relationship that grows and strengthens over time.
From the outset, you'll also work closely with our foster carer recruitment officer and your supervising social worker, who will guide you through the application and assessment process. They'll continue to meet with you every four weeks, helping you and your family prepare for the arrival of a foster child into your home.
24/7 Professional Support
We understand that fostering comes with its challenges, which is why our foster carers have access to 24-hour support. During office hours, your supervising social worker is just a call away. For any urgent support outside these times, our emergency out-of-hours service ensures you're always with help.
Our fostering team, based in the Bradford district, prides itself on its local knowledge and extensive experience. Being local means they're just around the corner when you need support or guidance.
About Us: Bradford Fostering
Every child deserves a safe, secure, and stable environment to be happy, healthy, and reach their full potential. At Bradford Fostering, we're dedicated to providing these conditions for children and young people in care. We aim to make a positive, lasting difference in their lives.
You'll receive excellent financial support, extensive training, and continuous advice and guidance in return for your commitment. Becoming a foster carer with Bradford Fostering is a chance to make a significant impact.
Our Bradford foster carer community is diverse and active, and we're eager for you to join them. Together, we can improve young lives.
For those curious about fostering in any capacity, I encourage you to explore what it means to be a foster carer with Fostering for Bradford. It's a journey of immense reward, offering a stable and loving home to children in need. Discover more about fostering.
Embracing Compassion and Understanding
As we move through February, let's carry forward the spirit of understanding, compassion, and positive action. Whether we stand against injustices like FGM or open our homes through private fostering, each action we take weaves a stronger fabric of support and safety in our community.
Looking ahead, March will bring us to International Women's Day and Child Exploitation Awareness Day—both powerful reminders of our challenges and strides towards a more equitable world.
Thank you to everyone who plays a part in this journey of safeguarding—your dedication makes all the difference. Let's continue to stand together, fostering a community where everyone is valued and protected.
If you want to know more about any of the topics featured in this month’s blog, why not head over to the Safer Bradford Website or Bradford Children and Families Trust
See you in March for our next conversation.
Kind regards
Darren