Two of our specialist placement foster carers, Tim and Rai, tell us about the transformative power of fostering through their personal stories.
Specialist placement fostering is a scheme caring for children with complex needs from traumatic childhood experiences. While many children do well in general fostering placements, a significant number require specialist care. This approach provides a structured, therapeutic environment for these children and young people, helping them begin to recover. It is a tailored approach that is very impactful and demands more advanced training and support for carers.
Tim’s story
Rai's story
Councillor Adel Khaireh, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “Specialist foster carers like Rai and Tim are making a huge difference to the lives of the children they care for, providing them with the stability and love they need to thrive. With over 410 children in care in Greenwich alone, there is an urgent need to grow our fostering community – with a particular focus on specialist placements.
“That is why we are developing a tailored support package to empower our foster carers to build their skills, capacity and confidence and be able to support our most vulnerable children and young people in this hugely rewarding role.”
Our support package includes:
- 24-hour support
- excellent training & mentoring
- enhanced finance package
- Council Tax waived
- bespoke package of support
Hear Philippa and Temi-Tayo, two of our Systemic Practitioners, detail the support we provide.
Thinking of fostering?
When you foster with Royal Greenwich we are with you every step of the way. You will have a dedicated social worker, ongoing training and networks of other foster carers nearby who can share experience and advice.
If you have the capacity, skills and experience to offer consistent care and emotional support to a young person with additional needs, then specialist fostering could be for you.
If you have any questions or would like to find out more about fostering in Royal Greenwich, get in touch at fostering-recruitment@royalgreenwich.gov.uk. A member from our experienced fostering team will be in touch within 1 working day.