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Travelling to Southern Africa with a group of teenagers from Ascent was nothing short of magical. We were setting out on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to South Africa and Botswana—a part of the world rich with history, resilience, and natural beauty. For six of our looked-after children, aged 13 to 16, this wasn’t just another trip; it was their first experience abroad, and for some, even their first time on an aeroplane. Their excitement was infectious, and as staff, we felt immensely lucky to be part of this journey. I could sense the anticipation and joy as we boarded, ready to see the world through their fresh perspectives.

The Buddy System: Building Bonds and Trust

To ensure everyone’s safety and comfort, we set up a buddy system. Each staff member was responsible for two children, staying by their side throughout the trip, ready to listen and offer guidance whenever needed. This system allowed each child to feel seen, heard, and supported. We also had a “call and response” protocol in place where each person had a number to call out in sequence, ensuring no one was missing. This simple system fostered a sense of security for the kids, especially in new environments, and allowed them to share any feelings or concerns that arose. But despite the structured system, children could still interact freely with other staff members, adding to the close-knit and family-like feel of our group.

A Warm Welcome to South Africa: History, Sunshine, and a Sensory Experience

As we arrived in South Africa, we were greeted by a warm, sun-drenched landscape and a comforting, earthy scent—a mix of sun-baked soil and fragrant wild herbs. The weather was hot, filling us with a sense of summer adventure, which was perfectly fitting for the transformative experiences we were about to have.

Our first major stop was the iconic Mandela House in Soweto. The atmosphere was heavy with history yet filled with hope and pride. Walking through Nelson Mandela’s home was like stepping back in time. The walls echoed with the resilience of a man who fought tirelessly for freedom and equality. The kids listened intently, absorbing the stories of his life, understanding his legacy, and realizing the depth of the struggle against apartheid. This was further deepened with our visit to the Apartheid Museum, where interactive exhibits helped them grasp the painful past and appreciate the progress that has since been made.

Botswana: A Journey into Nature and Culture

After our time in South Africa, we made our way to Botswana, a land of open skies, vibrant landscapes, and warm, welcoming people. Our camp was nestled in nature, surrounded by wildlife like ostriches, deer, giraffes, and even a resident tortoise. This immersion in nature was unlike anything the children had experienced before, and it brought out a curiosity and calmness in them that was beautiful to witness.

The camp followed a “no phone” policy, which could have been a challenge for teens accustomed to constant connection. But to our surprise, they embraced the break from technology, fully engaging with the experience around them. The children took part in team-building activities, pushing them out of their comfort zones and encouraging friendships with other kids from Botswana. They were laughing, playing football, and sharing stories a beautiful reminder of how universal the language of joy and friendship truly is.

Connecting with Culture: Language, Food, and New Friendships

One of the most enriching aspects of the trip was how deeply the children connected with Botswana’s culture. From learning phrases in Setswana to trying local foods, they embraced it all. Setswana, with its lyrical tones, echoed in the laughter and conversations around camp, and the kids quickly picked up a few phrases. This immersion into a new language and way of life allowed them to grow in confidence and adaptiveness. They tasted traditional dishes and appreciated the flavours that were new to them, savouring the opportunity to understand another culture from the inside.

Visiting Baratani Primary School in Botswana was an unforgettable experience that touched our hearts. We had the incredible opportunity to meet the children. Our young people read to the students, fostering a beautiful connection through storytelling and shared curiosity. The children’s enthusiasm was contagious, especially when we all gathered for a football match. It was eye-opening for our young people to see the students play football barefoot on the hot ground, our young people offered their socks to them and trainers. Nevertheless, the students said they were okay. Our young people gifted the students with tennis balls, footballs, coloured pencils, reading books and activity books. The students were extremely grateful, it was a privilege to be a part of their day.

Watching Them Bloom: Moments of Growth and Connection

The trip was truly “out of this world,” as each young person flourished in unique ways. They came alive in nature, showing sides of themselves that we hadn’t seen before. They laughed openly, shared their thoughts freely, and were just…kids. Free from worries, they embraced the freedom of being in a safe, loving environment. Their smiles and laughter were the highlights of each day.

One moment that particularly touched me was when a staff member from Botswana asked one of our girls whether I was her mother? She told them, “Yes, she’s my mum.” She came and told me this and hugged me this meant the world to me. I have been mentoring her since she was ten, and now, at thirteen, this little gesture reminded me how impactful these bonds are. It was a beautiful, heartwarming acknowledgement of the relationship we’d built over time.

A Team Effort with Lasting Impact

This trip was the result of a remarkable team effort. Mark Pomell and Sita Alexander were instrumental in bringing this experience to life. Without their vision, dedication, and hard work, this journey wouldn’t have been possible. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of the Ascent Fostering team, working alongside passionate individuals dedicated to helping young people grow and discover the world around them.

As we returned home, I could see the change in each child a newfound confidence, a deeper understanding of the world, and memories they’ll carry for a lifetime. This journey has given me a renewed sense of purpose. I look forward to continuing to help our youth discover their potential and understand that the world is as big, beautiful, and full of possibilities as they are.

By Alanah Wampamba, Placement Support Worker

If you would like to find out more about fostering and the amazing difference you could make in a young persons life. Give usa call on 0203 757 0070 or click HERE to receive a call back. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have on fostering and take you through the process.

We believe in making a real difference to the children we work with, however, this only is achieved through us ‘walking in their shoes’ and being alongside them on their journey. Therefore, in light of our approach and values, our focus is supporting children to feel a sense of belonging, be a part of a family, and develop a safe relationship with their primary carer, the wider family and then network. Through having fundamental opportunities to form safe, meaningful and trusted relationships, we believe our children can be successful in all their endeavours.
Therefore, whilst we have many success stories of our children who are excelling well in their academic studies, or other tangible areas such as health or the fact that all our children are engaged in one extracurricular activity, success to us may not always be conventional or in line with how outcomes are usually measured.

• A young person calling the foster carers’ SSW and wanting to show off his blue hair because he has a relationship with the SSW and is proud of himself and his new style
• Children and young people attending the workshops Ascent has facilitated on sexual health, healthy and unhealthy relationships
• Our children and young people form meaningful and trusting relationships with their mentors where clear goals are set together for their future hopes and aspirations
• A foster carer sharing how they are implementing a new therapeutic strategy in supervision and the positive impact it has had on their relationship with their young person
• A child and carer showing claiming behaviours to one another for example; them choosing how to address one another such as ‘Mum2’ and ‘son’
• Our SSW connects with our children by playing tennis, baking, or playing music together
• Children feel a sense of belonging and are visibly present in the home, through personalising their room, seeing their photos around the home or owning a door key
• Children wanting to seek appropriate affection or receive nurturing experiences from their foster carers such as cuddles before bedtime, a carer washing and plaiting a child’s hair, having ‘snack and chat’ after school
• We have many carer leavers who have maintained contact with the agency and their foster carers
• Our placement stability remains over 90%, whilst many of our children and young people have faced several changes in placement before joining an Ascent family
• A carer acknowledging when they are struggling and wanting to reach out for support and as a collective, we think out of the box to support them
• Success looks like a child who has refused to engage with CAMHS is talking to our therapist during a session in a car or a cafe
• Children having opportunities to interact and engage in normal family life such as attending family BBQs, parties, events
• Foster carers creating a Santas grotto during COVID so that a mother and her son can still experience their annual Winter Wonderland experience resulting in positive family time

Fostering is a very different experience to adoption, but one that is equally as important in a child’s life.

Short-Term Fostering

Sometimes a child will be placed under foster care for a short period of time only, before returning to their own families. This may be necessary whilst the local authority makes a plan, or whilst issues within the own child’s family are resolved. The foster period is a transition period for the child, in which the carer will play a crucial role in preparing them for the future.

Short-term foster care may be for a period of days or weeks. There are several reasons why a child may require short-term foster care. There may have been the sudden death of a parent, signs of abuse, or ongoing court proceedings. These periods are hugely unsettling for a child, who may be feeling lost, uncertain, or sad about their future. Even during a short period of time, there is the potential for carers to make a huge impact upon a child’s life, with safely, security, and love.

Short-term foster carers need the necessary skills and emotional resilience to be able to navigate a child safely through potentially turbulent times. An ideal short-term foster carer is someone who can create strong, meaningful, and caring bonds fast, who is able to build up trust and an emotional safety net for the child quickly. Children in short-term foster care can be from all walks of life, so there is a need for a carer who can accommodate and respect diversity.

Long-Term Fostering

Long-Term foster care is often considered a permanent arrangement, with the likelihood being that a child will not return to their own family, although they may still have contact. These children will usually stay resident with their foster carer for a minimum of 2 years, and potentially up until their 18th Birthday, at which point they are considered an adult and can live independently.

Being a long-term foster carer involves having all of the obligations of a loving parent, without the legal parental responsibility. As you would with your own child, you need to be able to manage a child’s education, medical needs, and social interactions. You are also required to facilitate any contact agreed with the child’s birth family.

Before signing up to be a long-term foster carer, you must carefully consider the impact that it will have on your own life, in terms of career, home, and existing family. Long-term fostering is a huge commitment, where an often long-lasting relationship is built up, requiring perseverance over a prolonged period.

Our friendly agency is here is guide you through every step of the process, with a huge network of partnerships and agencies that are here to help and guide you on your journey. We can help you to decide which means of fostering best works for your home, lifestyle, and life goals.

If you would like to find out more about fostering with Ascent call us on 020 757 0070 or click here to arrange a call back.

Sita, our Fostering Director talks to us about matching and placement stability and the importance it’s plays not only for our children and young people but also our foster carers.

Matching and Placement Stability for children placed in a foster family is an area that I feel very passionately about, because, when the match is right the possibilities are endless; a child or young person can feel safe and secure, they can feel loved, they can be supported to thrive and reach their full potential and navigate the challenges and losses that have experienced in their early years.

At Ascent, a lot of thought, preparation and time is given to the matching process. This is essential when creating a family unit where every child and young person’s needs, wishes and views are taken into consideration. An example of this is P and M, a sibling group where the local authority was looking for a long-term match.

Ascent worked closely with the local authority to gather information on the children’s early life experiences and needs and initially explore these further at a professionals’ meeting where the social worker could interview the foster carers, as well as the carers also finding out more information about the children. This may include learning about the child’s educational, health, religious, and cultural needs as well as what family time looks like with the significant people in their lives.

The local authority was also able to organise a meeting between the current and prospective foster carers and also the prospective carers. This was all vital in ensuring this was the right match, that the carers had a clear understanding of the children’s needs but also that they had the skills and support to ensure they could care for the children long term.

Once this was identified as the right match, we planned for the children to have several introductions with the carers before the move, this included play dates in the park, visits and sleepovers. This ensured that the children had ample opportunities to be part of the process and enabled a smooth transition. The foster carers and Supervising Social Worker also spent time thinking about how they could enable the children from the outset to feel welcome and wanted, such as the children having the opportunity to personalise their rooms.

Where possible, we also want to encourage birth families to be a part of the process and so the foster carers also got to meet the children’s biological father. This enabled M and P’s father to feel confident in the carers and also dispel any worries he had about their move.

For the first few weeks, in addition to formal supervision, the foster carers’ SSW and Therapeutic Consultant had regular communication with the carers weekly to explore where the children were at, think about where they were at and formulate therapeutic strategies the carers could use. This reflective space also enabled the carers the time to reflect on their practice and their own needs. The foster carers have also been accessing their therapeutic parenting training as part of supporting their ongoing learning and development in therapeutic parenting.

Support for the other family members was considered and thus the SSW has undertaken direct work with the other young person in the home. Through exploring and reviewing the children’s support plans, the network continues to think about the children’s needs and how as a team around the children we can continue to ‘walk in the children’s shoes’ and think creatively about how to respond and meet their unmet needs.

Ascent is committed to partnership working and where appropriate providing the whole network with therapeutic support. This has resulted in the children feeling settled, stable and loved in their home with their foster carers. M and P are both thriving and we are so proud of both them and their foster carers who have shown incredible resilience and commitment to the children.

Feedback from our stakeholders acknowledges the agency’s approach and from one of the local authorities we work closely with we have received an award for Resilience and Placement Stability. Placement stability remains over 90% which is a reflection of how the Ascent team support the foster carer, their household, the child or young person and the child’s wider network.

For confidentiality, pseudonyms and changes in children’s information have been used.

Sita Alexander

If you would like to find out more about fostering with Ascent call us on 020 757 0070 or click here to arrange a call back.

You’ve made the decision to open up your home to a foster child, and you’ve received that phone call to let you know that they are ready to come and stay. You may be feeling excited, nervous or a mixture of both. Your new foster child may be feeling apprehensive, too. Let’s have a look at some of the best ways that you can prepare your family and your home to make it a positive experience for everyone and to make your new resident feel welcome.

Finding out about the person

It’s really important that when a new foster child is coming to stay with you, you take the time to find out all about them. What are their likes and dislikes? Do they speak another language? What is their favourite food – or is there any food they really don’t like? Finding out these little snippets of information before they arrive can help you prepare and will help your family to find some common ground with your new resident. Stocking up on a few of their favourite foods will make them feel welcome.

Preparing the whole family

Fostering is a two-way process, and it’s really important that everyone who lives in your home – whether that be adults, your own children or any other foster children who currently live with you, are aware of what’s going to happen and what it’ll be like when your new foster child arrives.

You can help to prepare any other children in the house using the information you’ve already discovered about your new foster child. If they can find some things in common, such as favourite foods or activities they would like to do together, this is a great start for getting along.

Other children might have questions about how long the new foster child is going to stay with you, or where they lived before. It’s normal for them to be curious, so keep your answers as honest and factual as you can.

Preparing your home for the new arrival

It’s essential that you offer your new foster child a bedroom of their own, so they have a bit of private space to retreat to and relax in. Whether it’s a girl or a boy arriving to live with you, we’d usually recommend keeping the bedroom in a neutral colour scheme. It’s a good idea to make the room feel homely and cosy, giving them somewhere to relax with a book or some toys, depending on their age. This doesn’t have to be expensive, but some cushions or a bean bag can go a long way.

Those little essentials

Putting together a little essentials kit can be a really good idea, so that your foster child has everything that they might need, and you don’t have to make a last minute dash to the shops! Things like towels, toothpaste, sanitary protection and deodorant are some examples. Bear in mind that some foster children won’t have many possessions of their own and might come with very little in the way of luggage. It may be worthwhile getting some underwear, basic clothing, pyjamas and a little cuddly toy ready too, if you are able.

Get in touch with a member of our team to find out more about fostering!

Give us a call: 0203 757 0070

Email Us: enquiries@ascentfostering.com

As a mentor working with young people aged 10-17, I have found immense fulfillment in guiding and supporting the next generation on their journey towards personal growth and self-discovery. From the outset, I have been enthusiastic about this role, recognizing the profound impact positive mentorship can have on shaping young minds.

Every interaction with these young individuals has been a rewarding experience, witnessing their development and witnessing the transformative power of mentorship. Whether it’s offering guidance through challenges, providing a listening ear, or simply being a consistent presence in their lives, I have seen firsthand how these efforts can make a difference.

My journey as a mentor has recently taken a new turn as I embark on a Master’s degree in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy. This decision stems from my deep-rooted desire to further enhance my ability to support individuals, especially young people, in navigating the complexities of their emotions and experiences.

Studying psychodynamic counselling and psychotherapy has been an eye-opening experience, enriching my understanding of human behaviour, relationships, and the intricate workings of the mind. Through theoretical learning, practical exercises, and reflective practice, I have gained invaluable insights into the nuances of supporting individuals through their personal journeys.

One of the most significant aspects of my studies has been the emphasis on self-reflection. As a mentor, it’s essential to recognize the impact of our own experiences, biases, and emotions on our interactions with young people. Through introspection and self-awareness, I have learned to navigate these dynamics more effectively, ensuring that my approach remains empathetic, supportive, and non-judgmental.

Furthermore, my studies have equipped me with a diverse range of therapeutic techniques and interventions that I can apply in my role as a mentor. Whether it’s facilitating open dialogue, exploring underlying emotions, or empowering individuals to discover their strengths, I now have a deeper understanding of how to support young people in their journey towards self-discovery and growth.

For an example I have been mentoring a young person called Angel (name has been changed for safeguarding purposes) who seems to struggle with accepting constructive criticism. instead of viewing it as an opportunity for growth, Angel is defensive and withdrawn. Through my learning I have had to apply psychodynamic concepts which entails exploring the past drawing from psychodynamic principles. I explored Angels past experiences with authority figures; it is questionable as to whether she had overly critical parents or teachers, leading to a fear of criticism. Recognizing Angel’s defensiveness as a defence mechanism, you understand that it’s not a personal rejection of your feedback, but a protective response rooted in past experiences. My understanding of this has enabled me to create a safe and supportive environment. Instead of being critical, I provided feedback in a more reassuring and constructive manner, emphasizing strengths before discussing areas for improvement.

With this psychodynamic-informed approach, Angel began to feel safer and more understood. Over time, Angel has been more open to feedback, viewing it as a part of the learning process rather than a personal attack. This transformation not only improved Angel’s performance but also strengthens the mentor-mentee relationship.

By integrating psychodynamic counselling and psychotherapy knowledge into my mentoring practice, it creates a more nuanced, empathetic, and effective mentoring environment, helping my mentees grow both professionally and personally.

Looking ahead, I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead in combining my experience as a mentor with the knowledge and skills gained through my studies. I am committed to continuing my journey of personal and professional development, striving to make a positive difference in the lives of the young people I have the privilege to mentor.

In conclusion, being a mentor to young people has been a profoundly rewarding experience, fuelling my passion for supporting individuals on their path to self-fulfilment. My studies in psychodynamic counselling and psychotherapy have further enriched my understanding and equipped me with valuable tools to enhance my role as a mentor. I am excited about the journey ahead and the opportunity to continue making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people.

References for further knowledge:

“The role of mentoring in promoting youth resilience” By the National Mentoring Resource Centre.

“Psychodynamic Therapy: A Guide for Evidence-Based Practice” by Richard F. Summers and Jacques P. Barber

“Basic Concepts in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy” by Glen O. Gabbard, M.D.

Author: Alanah Wampamba

Foster carers provide temporary care to someone else’s child, whilst issues regarding their carer are addressed. For foster carers who are already practising, but who are looking to transfer agencies, we offer a complete package of support, making the process as easy and streamlined as possible.

Whether you are changing location or area, looking to upskill, or craving new challenges, we offer a therapeutic fostering agency that prides itself on 30 years of experience in fostering, further developing your skill set, and treating our foster carers as part of our extended family.

Why Ascent?

With the right placement, children and young people can thrive, no matter what their background. We look forward to welcoming those who share this vision and have the skills to assist. At Ascent, we ensure that all our foster carers are offered second-to-none levels of training and ongoing support. We strive to make your foster journey as straightforward as possible, including when transferring from another agency. You will be welcomed from the very first contact with us.

We are always interested in hearing from sensitive, judgment-free, foster carers, who believe that they are the right person to help a child build new memories and experiences, and who can see the value in the care that they deliver, and the gap that this helps to bridge.

Learning

We believe learning is the key to success. Through offering our foster carers intensive training, they become better equipped and highly skilled in dealing with issues such as trauma and abuse, which many young children have encountered. We also offer specialist learning opportunities such as managing challenging behaviour, nurturing attachments, LGBTQ+, and de-escalation techniques. We are always there to listen and support, but we openly challenge every foster carer to be the best that they can be. If you are looking to expand your knowledge and further your development so that you can provide the very best start to young people, we will support you completely.

The Ascent team of foster carers are treated like a family and represent the beating heart of our organisation. We are committed to excellence and dedicated to our core values, which helps to ensure that children and foster carers strive for excellence in all that they do and set out to achieve.

We work hard to find solutions. We have a skilled and multi-disciplinary team who are experts in matching children with their perfect foster placement, as well as a dedicated mentor to help their assigned foster carer with any problem that they may encounter.

Ascent is based in South London, covering the entire area from Croydon to Sutton. We specialise in all kinds of placements, whether short or long term, for younger children, teenagers, or parent-child placements. If you are looking to transfer agencies or begin on your path towards becoming a therapeutic foster carer, we would love to chat with you and send further information.

Learn more about transferring here

Trauma and attachment disorders in foster children are an invisible emotional burden, that poses a very real threat to their mental health and wellbeing. They occur when there has been a disruption in the relationship between them and the person responsible for their primary care – usually a birth parent or family member.

Trauma and Attachment

Foster children may have been subjected to a range of events or circumstances which lead to psychological harm or emotional issues. They may have faced neglect, abuse, disruption, or the death of a loved one. Trauma and attachment issues can manifest in a range of ways. From physical symptoms such as unexplained aches or pains, through to regression, failure to meet milestones, anxiety, and erratic moods and behaviours. These signs are a clear indication of underlying trauma, however foster children are often subjected to being labelled as ‘difficult’ or having behavioural issues.

They can have a profound and significant effect on a child’s self-esteem, and their ability to form new and healthy relationships and friendships with others.

Foster Parents

Foster parents are not only responsible for providing the basics of living, such as food and shelter. They also play an important role in providing an emotional safety net, where there is stability, routine, and an environment that is open to exploring the child’s thoughts and feelings.

Foster parents play an important role in helping their foster placements to embark on the journey towards healing. They can support, guide, and nurture children in their care, so that they feel loved, happy, fulfilled and able to meet their true potential. Providing a child with a stable home, acting as their trusted advocate, and empowering them by educating them, is the first step of the healing process. A foster parent will liaise with schools, health providers, and other agencies; acting as a voice for the child.

Play therapy can be a useful tool in helping foster children talk about their feelings and emotions. This may involve art, role play, storytelling, or other creative means. They allow a child to feel less anxious and more secure in opening up about their feelings, sadness, or certain events that they have been subjected to.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is also a useful intervention for helping children to identify, understand, and change negative thought processes. Techniques in relaxation and mindfulness can be highly effective in helping a child to deal with emotions and combat feelings of anxiousness.

A foster parent should have a strong cultural sensitivity and understanding of the diverse range of implications affecting a child, together with an in-depth background knowledge. They can then fully engage in helping a child to address their trauma and work to implement healthy coping strategies.

Conclusion

Helping a child with trauma requires time, dedication and commitment. A foster parent’s ability to invest in giving the patience and empathy required to help a child through their healing journey is rewarded by providing a child with a solid foundation for a stable, happy, and healthier future. Foster carers are a beacon of hope and can have a genuinely transformative effect in shaping the future of children in their care.

If you would like to find out more about fostering and how to start a therapeutic foster journey, please call us on 0203 757 0070 and we’d be happy to talk you through the process.