What our carers think of our Supervising Social Workers

For Social Work Week we asked our foster carers what they think of our Supervising Social Workers. After the first lightening quick response which described one as “the best thing since sliced bread” we were inundated with carers wanting to big up the people they described as their ‘ally’.

Here are some of the words they shared:

Allan said:

“We have Lisa as our Supervising Social Worker, she is spot on. We have a really good working relationship, the kids in the house all get on with her.

“Down to earth and very realistic in her expectations of us as carers. Big up for Lisa…..”

Barbara said:

“Sarah is attentive, approachable and makes us feel valued. She demonstrates a level of empathy that not all social workers do. Sarah has a very kind nature that reflects in her interactions with us as carers as well as the children.”

Terri said:

“Sarah, our Supervising Social Worker, is always cheery and bubbly. She gives expert advice on difficult behaviours and she is always available when needed.

“She is genuinely interested in not only the children’s lives (bringing kites for them to decorate or other arts and crafts) but our children and grandchildren too. A lovely thing is she also talks about her own children. She is definitely an asset to us.”

Nazelko said:

“My Supervising Social Worker, Ellie, has been an incredible support throughout my journey. Her unwavering commitment and understanding nature create an environment where I feel truly valued.

“Ellie possesses a remarkable ability to listen and empathise, making her not only a professional guide but also a trusted confidante. Her emotional intelligence is infectious; she seems to understand my feelings and challenges instinctively, which encourages me to open up and engage more fully in our sessions.

“One of the standout aspects of my experience with Ellie is the training and development support she provides. She is dedicated to helping me reach my full potential, offering tailored guidance and resources that empower me to excel in my role. With her encouragement, I have gained confidence in my abilities and have been able to achieve my best work.

“I genuinely look forward to our supervisions, as Ellie always comes prepared with a clear agenda that ensures our time together is productive. Her advice is consistently insightful and welcoming, making it easy to implement her suggestions into my practice. Most importantly, Ellie puts me at the heart of our supervision process, ensuring that my needs and aspirations are prioritised.”

Janine said:

“Laura is very mindful of ensuring carers are supporting their own mental health to ensure they are fully supported in order to support our young people. I really like the fact Team Fostering and Laura are promoting mindfulness and alternative ways to keep everyone’s ( carer’s and child’s ) mental health healthy and happy.

“I feel I can discuss open and honestly any concerns about anything and I will be listened to and supported but most importantly we have been provided with all the knowledge and helpful tips in order to meet our young person’s needs in every way.

“Laura is fab – a breath of fresh air!”

Debra said:

“I feel fortunate to have Laura as my Supervising Social Worker. Laura is very efficient in her role. I am well aware of the demands of Laura’s role but she still always tries to respond to any messages or emails as soon as she can.

“She is a good listener and is understanding of the demands of my role too and is a good ear for me when I don’t always feel myself or the children are being supported by other professionals and will advocate on our behalf.

“She will offer helpful advice, is always supportive while also being able to give constructive advice when needed. Laura is easy to talk to and has a good relationship with the children also who are very comfortable when she visits.”

Andrea said:

“I’d like to say since Janet came on board, from first time I met her, she has been warm, kind considerate and extremely helpful to me. Always has my back and steers me in the right direction.”

Kim and Mick said:

“Karen has been our supervising social worker for a while. What can you say? To start with there is not enough time to go through everything she has done for both Kim and I.

“Her support and guidance has been invaluable. Her ability to understand and listen to us, is magnificent. There are times when we disagree with her. But Karen is open to discussion and compromise.

“Karen is our cogg in a large team of Social Workers and support staff, that work as a Team, for all the carers and the children they care for.”

Wayne said:

“Ruth goes above and beyond the role of a regular social worker.  She will ask LA social workers for additional meetings if she feels that we need them, and recently after a difficult meeting, she immediately called me to check that I was okay and to ensure that I knew I was doing a good job as a foster carer!”

Ricardo said;

“Nicola’s more than a social worker, she’s a true ally. Her calm, supportive approach makes fostering rewarding. We’re so grateful for her dedication to the children in our care.”

Diane & Ron said:

“Maria has been exceptionally supportive and proactive in supporting us recently as our new Supervising Social Worker.

“We have had some very difficult challenges with education and a young person with complex needs. Maria is professional and has taken the time to be active in allowing us to pass some difficult issues over to her and for her to say ‘relax I’ve got this.’

“What that has meant to us as a foster couple, is to free time up for us to do what we do best and care for our young person.

“She acknowledged our difficulties and made it clear she would be supportive. Our young person has engaged well which makes a vast difference.”