Our Care Experienced Service offers training and programmes that support Foster and Kinship Carers including workshops, mini taster sessions, and 1:1 support.
We know that the health and wellbeing of many children and young people in Foster Care or Kinship Care may not be as good as that of their peers. Adverse childhood events and trauma experienced in their early lives have left many with emotional health and wellbeing needs which require specific help. We recognise the significant differences between Foster Carers and Kinship Carers in terms of legal orders, financial support and access to training. One of the main differences is that Kinship Carers look after children within their own family and there may be sensitivities in their relationship with the birth family. For these reasons we always provide separate services to Kinship Carers and to Foster Carers. Click on the links below to find out more about the services we offer.
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EXPERTISE AND INFORMATION
We provide direct support and guidance to families and carers on health rights and supporting the health and wellbeing of children and young people, especially those in care or at times of illness.
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FOSTER CARE
Research consistently shows that the health of many children and young people in foster care is poorer than that of their peers. The circumstances that have resulted in them being in care may have left them with particular health needs. Others may have specific medical conditions or disabilities whilst others may need support with their mental health and emotional wellbeing. We offer support, training, workshops and resources for Foster Carers and the children and young people who are in their care.
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KINSHIP CARE
Children and young people may come into Kinship Care in a variety of ways when parents cannot provide the care they need. Every situation is different, although there may be similar challenges in relation to the health and wellbeing of children and young people in Kinship Care. In many cases adverse childhood events and trauma experienced in their early lives have left many with emotional health and wellbeing needs which require specific help. We offer support, training, workshops and resources for Kinship Carers and the children and young people who are in their care.
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ONE TO ONE SUPPORT
We support the health and wellbeing of children and young people and their families and carers. We understand that caring for a child or young person can be rewarding, but hard work, which may leave carers feeling alone and exhausted. We offer support to carers by telephone or email on any health-related matter. Sometimes a listening ear helps.
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PUBLICATIONS
We offer a range of publications to support the health and wellbeing of children and young people and their families and carers.
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TRAINING
There are often additional complex healthcare issues for a children in care so we have developed tailored training to help Foster Carers and Kinship Carers gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare needs and rights of children and young people. We always provide separate training to Kinship Carers and to Foster Carers so they are able to support the children in their care.
FIND OUT MORE
To find out more or talk to us please give us a call on 0131 553 6553 or email cecyps@childrenshealthscotland.org.
