A group of foster carers from York celebrated success at York St John University this week after successfully completing a specialist award – the Foundation Certificate in Trauma and Attachment for Foster Carers. The foster carers were presented with certificates at a special event held during Foster Care Fortnight to recognise the commitment and passion that these individuals have for their role alongside their journey into academic study.
York St John University worked with City of York Council to create the foster care qualification which is thought to be one of the first training courses of its kind in the country. The certificate is tailored toward helping foster carers better understand the impact of the circumstances that those coming into their care have experienced. The Foundation Certificate in Trauma and Attachment for Foster Carers combines academic expertise with practical application to make a real difference to vulnerable children and young people.
Professor Karen Stanton, Vice Chancellor of York St John University said:
“We are delighted to present this certificate to foster carers, who play such a vital role in supporting children and young people. We have worked with a range of experts to ensure we deliver a course that not only benefits children in care but supports the professional status of foster carers”.
Foster carers perform one of the most important roles in our communities – giving homes to children and young people who, for a variety of reasons, cannot live with their immediate family. Often, these children have been through traumatic experiences that create difficult issues to deal with growing up, so the environment and example that foster carers create to support them are vital.
Tony Woodcock, chair of York Area Fostering Association and one of those receiving the award said:
“We all do our very best to do what we think is right, and this course helped me to understand the theory behind the practice – I feel it’s made me a better foster carer. I’d recommend it to anyone who is already a foster carer or considering becoming one”.
Eoin Rush, assistant director children’s specialist services at City of York Council, said:
“This course is part of the ongoing training and development we offer all York foster carers. We have worked with our foster carers and professionals at York St John to develop this training. Participation on this course allows our foster carers to further develop their skills and expertise. Our foster carers report that they highly value the learning and additional insights the course provides and report that it supports them in their fostering role. There is clear evidence that this training contributes to positive, stable and enduring placements for children and young people who are looked after.”
Foster Care Fortnight runs from Monday 8 to Sunday 21 May and is an annual campaign run by the Fostering Network to raise the profile of foster care.