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As a Supervising Social Worker, one of the most powerful dynamics I witness is when foster carers work in partnership with birth families. It’s not always easy, in fact, for many foster carers, the idea of building a relationship with a child’s birth parents can be one of the most daunting aspects of fostering. However, when it works, it can be one of the most transformative and rewarding parts of the journey, especially for the child at the centre of it all.

The challenge and the importance of overcoming it

Working closely with birth families can bring up a wide range of emotions for foster carers. Some may feel anxious or protective of the child, unsure of how to engage with parents who may have struggled to provide safe or consistent care. Others worry about boundaries, allegations, or the emotional toll of becoming involved in sometimes complex family dynamics. I often have carers say that they feel like they are being pulled into the chaos! 

These concerns are completely valid. As professionals, we see the impact of generational trauma, instability, and sadly, we often see poor outcomes for looked-after children in comparison to their peers. But we also see the full picture, including the potential for change, the power of relationships, and the child’s deep-rooted need for connection with their birth families.

For looked-after children, their identity is tied closely to their birth family. No matter the circumstances, most children maintain a psychological bond with their birth parents. When foster carers can respect and promote that connection, children often feel less conflicted, more secure, and more able to settle at home and school.

Building Trust and Rebalancing Power

When a child comes into care, it’s not just the child who experiences loss; their birth parents do too. For many parents, having their child removed from their care feels like they have lost control, authority, and even their sense of identity as a parent. These feelings are often accompanied by feelings of judgement, shame, anger or helplessness. Imagine what it must be like to no longer make the day-to-day decisions for your child, even down to what food they eat and the clothes that they wear. This is where I have seen foster carers have a powerful impact; it’s the simple things, such as asking the parent whether they would like to bring food for their child during family time, and dressing them in outfits their parent may have bought for them. 

Often it’s the smallest gestures that send the biggest message – a warm hello during family time, sharing regular updates or photos, or speaking respectfully and being authentically positive about a child’s parent. Foster carers can help parents feel seen, respected and involved. These small wins can go a long way in building trust and restoring a sense of dignity for birth parents. 

Real Relationships, Real Rewards

When a foster carer shows that they are not trying to replace a parent, it shifts the dynamic completely. It softens resistance, reduces conflict, and allows for the possibility of real collaboration. For the child, seeing the most important adults in their life communicate and cooperate with each other signifies that adults can work together in their best interest. It sends a message to the child that they don’t have to feel conflicted and choose a side, and that they are truly being cared for in a united way. In turn, this can lead to improved behaviour, more secure attachments, and a more stable placement.

I’ve also seen wonderful examples where partnership working leads to smoother transitions back home, better outcomes in education and emotional wellbeing, and even ongoing relationships post-placement. Many foster carers remain a positive presence in a child’s life long after they’ve returned to their family — as mentors, friends, or extended support.

Of course, it’s not always possible or safe to develop close ties with every birth family, and where that’s the case, it’s vital to prioritise boundaries and personal safety of the foster family. But when it is possible, and when foster carers are supported to explore this relationship carefully and professionally, the rewards can be immense.

At Ascent, we recognise how complex this can be. That’s why we offer training, supervision, and hands-on support to help carers navigate these relationships. Whether it’s managing boundaries, preparing for contact, or offering a therapeutic understanding of family dynamics. Working with birth families may not always be straightforward, but when approached with empathy, clear communication, and the right support, it can be one of the most meaningful parts of fostering.

If you would like to find out more about fostering and the amazing difference you could make in a young persons life. Give usa call on 0203 757 0070 or click HERE to receive a call back. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have on fostering and take you through the process.

Over the years working in fostering, one group of people has quietly stayed with me, not because they make a fuss, but because they rarely do.

They’re not the ones coming into care. They’re not the ones filling in forms or sitting in meetings. But they are right there, every single day, living it too.

These are the birth children in fostering families, both young and grown. The foster siblings. The quiet heroes.

When a new child comes into a home, it’s a big transition for everyone. And while we (rightly) surround the foster child with care and support, it’s easy to forget that the children already in the family, whether they’re still at home or have flown the nest, are on a journey of their own.

Foster siblings, of all ages:

• Share their home, their routines, and their parents’ attention
• Witness trauma they may not fully understand
• Form strong bonds, only to face painful goodbyes
• Carry big emotions they don’t always have words for
• Offer wisdom, reassurance, or a listening ear based on their own experience

And through it all, they often do what they’ve always done; they get on with it. But that doesn’t mean they’re unaffected. Their feelings, their needs, and their role in fostering matter too.

Fostering impacts the whole family. And we’ve seen how powerful it is when birth children, both young and adult, feel included, supported, and truly valued. They’re not just “coping” with fostering, they’re part of it. They help create the safe, loving home every foster child deserves.

How Our Agency Supports Birth Children

We care deeply about the experience of foster siblings and make a conscious effort to include and support them, regardless of age. Here’s what that looks like in practice:

Checking In on Everyone

Our Supervising Social Workers (SSWs) always try to include birth children in their regular visits, whether they’re still living at home or popping in to support. We ask how they’re doing, not as an afterthought, but because we genuinely want to know.

Extra Support When It’s Needed

If a child or young adult needs more support, we can involve our amazing mentors and therapeutic consultants. Whether it’s space to talk, help processing a goodbye, or just feeling a little more seen, we’re here.

Inclusion in Activities and Events

Birth children are invited to our agency’s activities and celebrations. That includes teens, little ones, and even adult children who remain closely connected to their fostering family. They’re not “tagging along”, they’re part of the fostering family, and they belong at the heart of it.

To the Quiet Heroes…

To every child, teenager, or adult who has made room, physically and emotionally, for a foster sibling: ‘You are incredible!’

We know it’s not always easy.

We know it can be confusing, emotional, and sometimes overwhelming.

But we see the kindness you show.

We see the patience, the sharing, the quiet understanding.

Whether you’re still at home or now supporting from a distance, you matter.

You might not shout it from the rooftops, but what you do makes a difference. More than you probably realise.

You help make fostering possible.

You help make healing happen.

And we’re so, so grateful for you.

Nicky Challen-Probert

Team Manager

If you would like to find out more about fostering and the amazing difference you could make in a young persons life. Give usa call on 0203 757 0070 or click HERE to receive a call back. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have on fostering and take you through the process.

Dear young person,

We are two months into 2025, and this new year leaves me with optimism. A fresh year to achieve all your desired life goals that you aspire to obtain. One constant thing is the need for you to remain safe. Safety In the Community applies all year round and applies to us all. Old or young, we all share the responsibility to be safe when outside of our homes. In the winter months, it’s about keeping yourselves warm, fed and vigilant as the nights draw in, you must actively keep yourselves aware when travelling alone and independently.

It is important to let a significant other, such as a trusted adult, know your whereabouts when travelling and also let them know who you are going to meet. Having a tracker app installed on your phone can also ensure that your trusted adult such as your foster parent can check where you are when travelling independently. It is also good to have travel apps such as Citymapper, National Rail etc. so you can plan your journey and be aware of any changes to the trains, tubes or bus timings. Don’t forget when you leave the house to have credit and charge on your phone!

It is helpful to conceal door keys and mobile phones, Apple ear pods, all of which should remain out of sight – you know the flashy stuff! The things we all value most, please keep these concealed when walking, in a taxi or on public transport.

As we start entering into spring and the summer months, it will get lighter and warmer and understandably you will want to be out more. These months are a time when people and families will come together, and enjoy outdoor activities, parties, BBQ’s and festivals happen. Whilst these events will be new, exciting and fun, you and your friends must look out for one another – a good friend won’t ask you to do something you are uncomfortable with. If at any point you feel you can’t say no, ask yourself: ‘Am I in a safe situation?’ Our bodies are also really smart and can tell us if we do not feel safe such as feeling a pounding heart or a churning stomach. If you feel like this, speak to someone you trust who can help you, this could be your foster parent, a mentor or another trusted adult.

All year round, you will be accessing money, whether that be cash, online banking or withdrawing money out in the community. Remember to be vigilant at cash machines and take note of people around you. Conceal PINs and opt to have someone you know with you at a cash machine, especially if you are accessing one in the evening or night.

You may also have the opportunity to travel outside of London or even the UK, please ensure that when in airports or abroad, you have concealed your passports and important belongings from prying eyes. Other helpful tips you can use are not divulging to strangers where you are staying, personal information about yourself or your general location.

Being an adolescent is a time for exploration whether it be learning a new hobby or wanting to spend more time with friends, developing independence, and having fun! We very much want to support you in all these areas and help you feel safe when out in the community.

Dimitri Jordan, Head of Youth Engagement and Independence

If you would like to find out more about fostering and the amazing difference you could make in a young persons life. Give usa call on 0203 757 0070 or click HERE to receive a call back. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have on fostering and take you through the process.

At Ascent Fostering, we understand the profound importance of identity for the children we look after. For many young people in care, their sense of self is often shaped by multiple experiences, some positive and others challenging. Whether they’ve experienced trauma, neglect, or multiple foster placements, finding and holding onto their identity can feel like a difficult journey. But we are committed to ensuring that their path towards self-discovery is one that is supported, respected, and nurtured.

One of the core values we hold at Ascent Fostering is the belief in cultural matches whenever possible. We know that children from diverse backgrounds thrive best when they are placed with foster families who understand and can celebrate their culture, heritage, and traditions. It helps them feel seen, heard, and valued for who they truly are.

However, we also understand that there may be times when a perfect cultural match isn’t immediately available. In these instances, we don’t settle for simply placing a child in a home where they might feel disconnected from their own cultural roots. Instead, we ensure that each child’s sense of identity remains a priority, regardless of the circumstances.

When a cultural match isn’t possible, our priority shifts to ensuring that children have the tools and spaces to explore and celebrate their identity in other ways. At Ascent Fostering, we have created a range of facilities for children to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences about who they are. Through our Youth Panel and 1-1 consultations, we actively encourage children to open up about what makes them feel connected to their culture and heritage and to explore their identity in their own time and space.

We value every child’s voice, and it’s through these discussions that we can learn what matters most to them. Our dedicated mentors act on the feedback children provide. For example, if a young person shares an interest in learning more about their background, we don’t simply listen we act.

Our mentors often collaborate with the children to create experiences that help them embrace and celebrate their unique identity. If a child expresses an interest in learning more about their cultural heritage, we may arrange workshops on their background or even take them on educational trips to places like history museums that showcase their roots.

Additionally, practical experiences like a trip to the barbers to maintain a traditional hairstyle or teaching young people how to style and braid hair can help build a tangible connection to their culture. These activities aren’t just about learning a skill they’re about fostering a deep sense of pride and ownership over who they are and where they come from.

A child’s identity is nurtured not only through the facilities we provide but also through the caring relationships they build with their foster carers. At Ascent Fostering, we ensure our foster carers are fully supported in their journey. This means providing specialised training, access to therapeutic spaces, and continuous support to each other as they navigate the complexities of caring for children in foster care.

Our foster carers are more than just providers of a safe home they are key partners in helping children explore and solidify their sense of self. By receiving ongoing support, guidance, and access to a community of other foster carers, they are better equipped to create a sense of belonging for the children they care for. They are empowered to celebrate the child’s unique identity and provide a space where the child feels truly seen and accepted.

For some of the children we care for, their journey through multiple foster agencies has led them to experience a sense of disconnection from their identity. They may feel as though they have lost touch with who they are or where they come from. This is especially true for children who have been moved from placement to placement without consistent support around their cultural and emotional needs.

But here at Ascent Fostering, we are committed to changing that narrative. We believe that identity isn’t just something to be protected it is something to be actively nurtured and celebrated. Identity is key to helping these young people thrive and reach their full potential.

We provide the support, tools, and resources they need to rebuild that connection to themselves. Whether it’s a cultural workshop, a meaningful conversation, or simply providing a safe space for expression, we work tirelessly to ensure that each child’s identity is honoured, respected, and cherished.

At Ascent Fostering, we recognize that a child’s identity is their foundation everything they will build upon. Our goal is to make sure that identity is never lost, never overlooked, and never taken for granted. Through our tailored support, programs, and deep commitment to the children in our care, we aim to empower each young person to explore, embrace, and celebrate who they truly are. When children have a strong sense of identity, they can confidently face the world and reach for their dreams. They have the tools to thrive, to belong, and to become the very best version of themselves. This is why identity matters so much to us, and why it’s central to everything we do here at Ascent Fostering.

If you would like to find out more about fostering and the amazing difference you could make in a young persons life. Give usa call on 0203 757 0070 or click HERE to receive a call back. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have on fostering and take you through the process.

I believe we are all leaders – there are always people around us watching what we do and possibly following our path – this might be our children, staff or team members or in the case of a young person – a younger sibling or young people in their school.

Being a leader comes naturally to the few but for the majority it develops through practice and hard graft. We learn from our mistakes, from being pushed into awkward or uncomfortable situations, confronted with difficult people or problems to resolve we’d rather not do!

Leadership is a vital skill and one of the founding principles of youth organisations since the early 20th century such as the Scouts, Guides and Cadets and DofE. In these spaces young people were given responsibility and opportunities to lead each other, to make tough decisions and to role model to younger children healthy values, to show empathy and nurture and to contribute to a healthy community culture.

Fast forward to 2025 and a world where being an influencer is more attractive than being a leader is there still a place for leadership? Absolutely! But what about young people in the care sector? They have often faced barriers to accessing leadership opportunities – through inconsistent attendance, struggling to engage, anxiety and low self confidence. They’ve often not been given the chance to develop those skills because they’ve got so many things going on in their lives and barriers to even being in the room.

We can’t ignore this backdrop and we shouldn’t underestimate the challenge but we must also not shy away from the impact leadership can have on their lives. At Ascent we are we are deeply committed to developing our young people and preparing them for life as independent adults. To do that we have to challenging young people to develop leadership and confidence. This might be by encouraging them to take part in a school play, learning an instrument, taking responsibility in a sports team or helping lead in planning a family activity.

At the root of this there is a challenge for us as foster carers, birth parents or mentors that we must keep believing in our young people – that when they fall down (and they will) they shall arise. We need to pick them up, encourage them to dust themselves off and go again. Its then that we help unlock the skills the talent and the potential that lies within them. If they can find self esteem purpose and fulfilment through positions of responsibility, however small, it will set a course for their lives which will go beyond surviving and take them to thriving.

In my own story I set up a youth charity in Croydon called Reaching Higher because I could see these opportunities were excluded from so many. The work took hold and it grew and is now led by a former beneficiary and a team of many former service users inspired to not just benefit from an organisation but get involved, take the lead and direct its future as it now supports thousands of young people. At Reaching Higher the mantra was and is to “challenge young people to be leaders of their own lives”. We lay that same challenge at Ascent.

In October 2024 six of our young people took part in a residential trip to Botswana, Africa. They spent time out of their comfort zone, they engaged in a totally different community, they took personal responsibility and they role modelled values to younger children – reading English with young children in a local school. These are life changing experiences.

But most importantly this is a a life changing message to each of our young people.

“You can make a difference!”
“You have something to give!”
“We see and believe in you as a leader!”

This message will set a course for their lives – to stretch for more. So lets keep cheering this generation on and lets keep developing leaders who have a far brighter future than they’ve ever imagined.

If you would like to find out more about fostering and the amazing difference you could make in a young persons life. Give usa call on 0203 757 0070 or click HERE to receive a call back. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have on fostering and take you through the process.

Choosing to become a foster carer puts you in the unique and special position of being able to make a significant positive difference in the lives of children and young people. You will be providing a safe and secure home, as well as a nurturing and caring bond, in circumstances where children are unable to live with their birth parents. 

The care, support and guidance that a child receives whilst in foster care can have a significant, long-lasting, and life-changing impact on them. Therefore, foster carers must have the right training and support to develop their skills and knowledge to offer the best level of care possible to children and young people.

Training and Development:

One of Ascent’s values is our commitment to being a learning and development organisation. This means that we are passionate about the whole team around the child being offered high-quality training and access to development opportunities in their respective roles. Each year foster carers are supported to think about their learning and development needs through a Personal Development Plan (PDP) that is reviewed every six months. Although the National Minimum Standards and Fostering Regulations outline fostering services as the minimum requirements and expectations for carers, we have high expectations of our carers’ commitment and dedication to the fostering task. Part of this is their commitment to their learning and development so they are equipped with the necessary skills to support and nurture the children and young people in their care. This year, over half of our carers completed double, and seven of our carers completed three times the required amount of training.

Prospective foster carers are provided with training through the assessment process called Skills to Foster to help them understand and be prepared for the fostering role. Thereafter, Ascent provides a wide breadth of training to foster carers, this includes mandatory courses such as safeguarding or first aid but also how to support a child’s cultural, ethnic or religious needs. Ascent also provides a variety of therapeutic parenting courses and therapeutic workshops which provide carers with an understanding of their children’s early life experiences and how this may have impacted their emotional, physical, social and psychological development. It also provides them with strategies and tools for how best to support the children in their care. 

By providing a child with a secure and therapeutic environment, children and young people can commence on their journey to recovery, which then gives them the very best prospects on a long-term basis. Therefore, through foster carers being committed to their continued training and development, they can provide improved outcomes for children, reaffirming feelings of security, trust, and safety. Consistency in care and gentle guidance allows them to thrive. Training gives you the necessary skills to provide this.

Conclusion:

By engaging in regular training opportunities and workshops, foster carers are given the necessary tools and knowledge needed to help children and young people in a variety of situations from a diverse range of backgrounds. You will also have access to peer support from experienced foster carers, supervision and support from your Supervising Social Worker, and access to Therapeutic Consultants.

Fostering is an all-encompassing and welcoming family community. Your commitment to helping children and young people grow and thrive is matched by our commitment to helping you learn and deliver.

Fostering is a temporary arrangement for a wide variety of reasons. A foster carer never has parental responsibility for a child in their care, however they do provide a temporary home and safe space for periods in which their own families are not able to care for them. Returning home is always the goal for children in foster care, however for some, this may not be possible.

Types of Foster Care

Long-term foster care may span many years. There may be a plan for a child or young adult to continue their placement until they reach adulthood or are able to live independently. This provides them with a stable and safe living arrangement, allowing them to thrive and meet their full potential.

Short-term foster care can be for days, weeks, or months, or may progress to long-term foster care should the need arise. It may be because of parental ill-health or because they need additional support when facing a challenging transitional period in their lives.
Emergency foster care is short-term and arranged in the event of unforeseen circumstances. It may be that the child’s parents are unavailable to care for them, or because a safeguarding issue has come to light. These placements often have no prior planning or arrangement and can occur at any time of the day or night.

Short-break fostering is to afford the parents or carers of a child with special needs a break. With often highly demanding and strenuous schedules of care, short-break placements allow for families to rest, recover, and generally increase the long-term manageability of the situation.

Placements for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children are applicable when a child arrives in the UK without a parent or guardian. They will remain in foster care whilst arrangements are made to either return them to their home country, or whilst they are applying for permission to remain in the UK.

Parent and child foster placements are a specialist area of fostering, and usually involve a parent and their baby moving to a foster placement, whilst the parent gains the necessary help and support needed to develop their parenting skills and abilities.

Conclusion

In an ideal world, all children would come from families who are able to love, support, and care for them until they reach adulthood and can live independently. Where this isn’t possible, a foster placement gives a child the benefits of a stable environment that allows for healthy growth and development.

The foster carer may play a key role in supporting and nurturing a relationship between the child and their birth parent or family, whilst also liaising with the local authority, the NHS, and educational institutions. This way, the child is enabled to live their life in a way that is supported, stable, loving and caring. The developmental effects of receiving positive and healthy care during childhood are fundamental to long-term physical and mental health and well-being

If you would like to find out more about fostering and the amazing difference you could make in a young persons life. Give usa call on 0203 757 0070 or click HERE to receive a call back. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have on fostering and take you through the process.

Travelling to Southern Africa with a group of teenagers from Ascent was nothing short of magical. We were setting out on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to South Africa and Botswana—a part of the world rich with history, resilience, and natural beauty. For six of our looked-after children, aged 13 to 16, this wasn’t just another trip; it was their first experience abroad, and for some, even their first time on an aeroplane. Their excitement was infectious, and as staff, we felt immensely lucky to be part of this journey. I could sense the anticipation and joy as we boarded, ready to see the world through their fresh perspectives.

The Buddy System: Building Bonds and Trust

To ensure everyone’s safety and comfort, we set up a buddy system. Each staff member was responsible for two children, staying by their side throughout the trip, ready to listen and offer guidance whenever needed. This system allowed each child to feel seen, heard, and supported. We also had a “call and response” protocol in place where each person had a number to call out in sequence, ensuring no one was missing. This simple system fostered a sense of security for the kids, especially in new environments, and allowed them to share any feelings or concerns that arose. But despite the structured system, children could still interact freely with other staff members, adding to the close-knit and family-like feel of our group.

A Warm Welcome to South Africa: History, Sunshine, and a Sensory Experience

As we arrived in South Africa, we were greeted by a warm, sun-drenched landscape and a comforting, earthy scent—a mix of sun-baked soil and fragrant wild herbs. The weather was hot, filling us with a sense of summer adventure, which was perfectly fitting for the transformative experiences we were about to have.

Our first major stop was the iconic Mandela House in Soweto. The atmosphere was heavy with history yet filled with hope and pride. Walking through Nelson Mandela’s home was like stepping back in time. The walls echoed with the resilience of a man who fought tirelessly for freedom and equality. The kids listened intently, absorbing the stories of his life, understanding his legacy, and realizing the depth of the struggle against apartheid. This was further deepened with our visit to the Apartheid Museum, where interactive exhibits helped them grasp the painful past and appreciate the progress that has since been made.

Botswana: A Journey into Nature and Culture

After our time in South Africa, we made our way to Botswana, a land of open skies, vibrant landscapes, and warm, welcoming people. Our camp was nestled in nature, surrounded by wildlife like ostriches, deer, giraffes, and even a resident tortoise. This immersion in nature was unlike anything the children had experienced before, and it brought out a curiosity and calmness in them that was beautiful to witness.

The camp followed a “no phone” policy, which could have been a challenge for teens accustomed to constant connection. But to our surprise, they embraced the break from technology, fully engaging with the experience around them. The children took part in team-building activities, pushing them out of their comfort zones and encouraging friendships with other kids from Botswana. They were laughing, playing football, and sharing stories a beautiful reminder of how universal the language of joy and friendship truly is.

Connecting with Culture: Language, Food, and New Friendships

One of the most enriching aspects of the trip was how deeply the children connected with Botswana’s culture. From learning phrases in Setswana to trying local foods, they embraced it all. Setswana, with its lyrical tones, echoed in the laughter and conversations around camp, and the kids quickly picked up a few phrases. This immersion into a new language and way of life allowed them to grow in confidence and adaptiveness. They tasted traditional dishes and appreciated the flavours that were new to them, savouring the opportunity to understand another culture from the inside.

Visiting Baratani Primary School in Botswana was an unforgettable experience that touched our hearts. We had the incredible opportunity to meet the children. Our young people read to the students, fostering a beautiful connection through storytelling and shared curiosity. The children’s enthusiasm was contagious, especially when we all gathered for a football match. It was eye-opening for our young people to see the students play football barefoot on the hot ground, our young people offered their socks to them and trainers. Nevertheless, the students said they were okay. Our young people gifted the students with tennis balls, footballs, coloured pencils, reading books and activity books. The students were extremely grateful, it was a privilege to be a part of their day.

Watching Them Bloom: Moments of Growth and Connection

The trip was truly “out of this world,” as each young person flourished in unique ways. They came alive in nature, showing sides of themselves that we hadn’t seen before. They laughed openly, shared their thoughts freely, and were just…kids. Free from worries, they embraced the freedom of being in a safe, loving environment. Their smiles and laughter were the highlights of each day.

One moment that particularly touched me was when a staff member from Botswana asked one of our girls whether I was her mother? She told them, “Yes, she’s my mum.” She came and told me this and hugged me this meant the world to me. I have been mentoring her since she was ten, and now, at thirteen, this little gesture reminded me how impactful these bonds are. It was a beautiful, heartwarming acknowledgement of the relationship we’d built over time.

A Team Effort with Lasting Impact

This trip was the result of a remarkable team effort. Mark Pomell and Sita Alexander were instrumental in bringing this experience to life. Without their vision, dedication, and hard work, this journey wouldn’t have been possible. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of the Ascent Fostering team, working alongside passionate individuals dedicated to helping young people grow and discover the world around them.

As we returned home, I could see the change in each child a newfound confidence, a deeper understanding of the world, and memories they’ll carry for a lifetime. This journey has given me a renewed sense of purpose. I look forward to continuing to help our youth discover their potential and understand that the world is as big, beautiful, and full of possibilities as they are.

By Alanah Wampamba, Placement Support Worker

If you would like to find out more about fostering and the amazing difference you could make in a young persons life. Give usa call on 0203 757 0070 or click HERE to receive a call back. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have on fostering and take you through the process.

We believe in making a real difference to the children we work with, however, this only is achieved through us ‘walking in their shoes’ and being alongside them on their journey. Therefore, in light of our approach and values, our focus is supporting children to feel a sense of belonging, be a part of a family, and develop a safe relationship with their primary carer, the wider family and then network. Through having fundamental opportunities to form safe, meaningful and trusted relationships, we believe our children can be successful in all their endeavours.
Therefore, whilst we have many success stories of our children who are excelling well in their academic studies, or other tangible areas such as health or the fact that all our children are engaged in one extracurricular activity, success to us may not always be conventional or in line with how outcomes are usually measured.

• A young person calling the foster carers’ SSW and wanting to show off his blue hair because he has a relationship with the SSW and is proud of himself and his new style
• Children and young people attending the workshops Ascent has facilitated on sexual health, healthy and unhealthy relationships
• Our children and young people form meaningful and trusting relationships with their mentors where clear goals are set together for their future hopes and aspirations
• A foster carer sharing how they are implementing a new therapeutic strategy in supervision and the positive impact it has had on their relationship with their young person
• A child and carer showing claiming behaviours to one another for example; them choosing how to address one another such as ‘Mum2’ and ‘son’
• Our SSW connects with our children by playing tennis, baking, or playing music together
• Children feel a sense of belonging and are visibly present in the home, through personalising their room, seeing their photos around the home or owning a door key
• Children wanting to seek appropriate affection or receive nurturing experiences from their foster carers such as cuddles before bedtime, a carer washing and plaiting a child’s hair, having ‘snack and chat’ after school
• We have many carer leavers who have maintained contact with the agency and their foster carers
• Our placement stability remains over 90%, whilst many of our children and young people have faced several changes in placement before joining an Ascent family
• A carer acknowledging when they are struggling and wanting to reach out for support and as a collective, we think out of the box to support them
• Success looks like a child who has refused to engage with CAMHS is talking to our therapist during a session in a car or a cafe
• Children having opportunities to interact and engage in normal family life such as attending family BBQs, parties, events
• Foster carers creating a Santas grotto during COVID so that a mother and her son can still experience their annual Winter Wonderland experience resulting in positive family time