1 - Complete care for troubled children

 

The council’s Flipside team has received £400,000 from the Department of Children, Schools and Families to provide therapeutic foster care for seven to 11 year olds and is looking for new full-time and respite foster carers to come on board.

 

This is the latest programme to be added to its two existing projects which cover three to six year olds and young people over 11.  Dudley was recently referred to as a centre of excellence by Rosemarie Roberts, Director of the National Implementation team and was commended for its expert support to other authorities just starting their programmes.

 

The latest programme will encourage children with emotional or psychological difficulties to take part in recreational activities and to have a greater involvement in school.   This early intervention technique was developed in the USA and combines high levels of supervision from foster carers and support of healthcare professionals. 

 

This method of treating children with challenging behaviour is a preventative measure and aims to reduce the instances of older children needing costly intensive support. 

 

“We are delighted to have been awarded the funding to deliver this new project and it will complement the two projects which are currently running.  Our dedicated team of professionals work closely with foster carers to ensure the best possible outcome for each child or young person who is in need of extra special care at certain times of their life.”

 

The Flipside team now needs new full-time and respite foster carers who can provide 24 hour care.  Flipside carers get full training and are paid an enhanced allowance.  For more information on how to become a foster carer call 01384 816143.