‘Many fostering services talk of the importance of self-care within their foster parent’s routine. evolve makes sure it actually happens.’
Thankfully we live in a world where the discussion around mental health and self-care is increasingly becoming less of a taboo. In fact, the desire to create a positive atmosphere for mental health to thrive is often at the centre of workplace debates.
Within fostering, the need for a responsive and supportive team is even more essential.
What makes evolve different?
As one of our foster parents recently quoted, ‘Many fostering services talk of the importance of self-care within their foster parent’s routine. evolve makes sure it actually happens.’
As the saying goes ‘taking care of yourself is part of taking care of others.’
We recognise that the needs of the foster parent are just as crucial as the needs of the child or young person in their care. We have always shared the commitment to self-care routines and are proud that this is crucially embedded into our therapeutic training model.
Embedding a self-care routine, particularly for foster parents, can be tricky. As lovely and effective as taking a long bath may be, understanding boundaries and self-regulation techniques may be a more beneficial self-care routine in the long term.
Self-help
‘Self-help is about sometimes saying no.’ Explains Jill, Clinical Lead for our clinical partners, Connect B4 Correct.
‘It’s about understanding limits. It’s about stepping back to say, “I’m not sure I can effectively deal with this at this moment in time.” That’s not to be seen as a failure; in fact, it’s a strength.
Becoming more self-aware and recognising your need for an hour, a day or longer to recharge actually avoids burnout and compassion fatigue. In the long run, it will make you an even more effective foster parent.’
In fact, our commitment to prioritising the mental health of our foster parents, alongside the children and young people in their care, is just one of the reasons evolve is favoured over our competitors.
‘We looked at many different fostering services, but the thing that stood out the most with evolve, and the reason for choosing to work with them, was the focus on connecting with both the child and the parent and exploring the necessity of self-care.’ Explains one of our foster parents. ‘Fostering can sometimes feel quite isolating but by having a supportive and responsive team with us, it feels less so.’
We recognise an instant escape may not always be possible, but we strive to deliver whatever you need, as quickly as you need it. That’s why at evolve we offer 24/7 365 days a year on call support, direct access to our therapeutic specialists and 21 respite days a year.