Case Study

Initially some carers were a little confused in respect of the content of the course as they found it difficult to relate the subject matter to the title. However, by the end both staff and carers could see that by understanding themselves, loving who they are, taking time out for themselves can in fact help them to manage the young people who they care for in a much more proactive manner.

Some people fed back that they particularly enjoyed the session on 'controlling your life' and felt that by taking time to understand why adults and young people become angry, stressed and confrontational and how this can be avoided by taking time out to gather ones thoughts, give space to let things calm down and talking about the issues later will take the 'sting' out of the argument and can prevent things being said that can't be unsaid at a later date. For children in particular, once you have said negative things, even in the heat of the moment, there is no going back even if apologies are made. It can be much more difficult to mend bridges and could lead to placement breakdown.

Carers also felt that it was good to be reminded that bad behavior does not make the young person 'bad' and such behavior is seen in context of what might be playing on the mind of the young person or as a response to past history. The comments were that it is good to be reminded of the child's life history when things are not going right as sometimes it is easy to be drawn into battle without thinking and escalating the problems.

It was good to hear carers talk about having agreements with their young people about what they want in respect of behavior in the home, not just from the young person but also the carer and the family unit. They felt that this draws the young person in as being seen as part of the family, making decisions which are acceptable for each other and that there is then something concrete to look back on if behavior slips.

In all, carers took away another view of how things could be managed where difficulties arise in the home, either with their own children or foster children. They felt that by looking first at how they view themselves, what their own needs are they are in a much stronger position to support their own family and any foster child they are caring for.

In all it was a very fruitful course and the staff will continue to support carers not to forget what they have gained during supervision sessions and in support groups.

Angie Hanson, Area Manager
The Adolescent & Children's Trust

Feedback from one of the delegates

"I think this course helped me to understand the challenges children face within society and from their peer groups. It has given me valuable tools to better interact with my child in the future. I felt that this course was an emotional journey for me because it helped me unravel some of the emotional expectations and limitations I put on myself sometimes. Thank you."
Mrs BR