1. Supporting Young People in Care/Care Leavers Conference 2014 Engaging Foster Carers Di Stone University of the West of England

2. Supporting Young People in Care/Care Leavers Conference 2014 Engaging Foster Carers Workshop Aims to provide the opportunity to: 1.Explore good practice nationally, regionally and locally in engaging Foster Carers in raising awareness of and supporting aspiration to higher education for young people in their care 2.Highlight and discuss challenges faced in engaging Foster Carers and explore ways to overcome/reduce the impact of these 3.Share current good practice across the region and explore opportunities for development of enhanced SW region and local area provision

3. Supporting Young People in Care/Care Leavers Conference 2014 Engaging Foster Carers National Examples of Good Practice Area Networks - LAs, FE, HE, Schools, Independent Fostering agencies with clear ToR and focus for meetings - EMCLASS Foster Carer Coffee Mornings supported current CLs – West Yorkshire Network Foster Family Learning Days supported by current CLs - West Yorkshire Network Case Studies – De Montfort University “toolkit” for foster carers on everything they needed to know about Higher Education - Fostering Network Wales / University of Cardiff Articles and adverts in Foster Families publications – University of Winchester Accredited training aimed specifically at Foster Carers ie the 'Foundation Certificate in Trauma and Attachment' (York St John University) Hold on to SW models for discussion!

4. Supporting Young People in Care/Care Leavers Conference 2014 Engaging Foster Carers Challenges to engaging Foster Carers: Reaching the “right” people Understanding the challenges faced by Foster Carers Providing the “right” support to meet Foster Carers needs Etc, Etc

5. Supporting Young People in Care/Care Leavers Conference 2014 Engaging Foster Carers Hints and Tips to overcome challenges: Develop and maintain good partnerships with Virtual Schools and LAs – not just Leaving care teams Maintain up to date list of key contacts Don’t try to re-invent the wheel – make use of information sources and toolkits that are up to date and already in existence ie “Who Cares Trust” HE Handbook Piggy back on existing events - LA Multi Agency Training Days Be imaginative! Be flexible!

6. Supporting Young People in Care/Care Leavers Conference 2014 Engaging Foster Carers Over to you! What can we do to improve engagement in the SW?