The first 'Skills to Foster'training course specially adapted for new support carers was held in Swansea in July 2006. For a full write up on this event, or further information on the availability of course materials go to www.fostering.net/wales/support_care.

Two seminars for Local Authorities/voluntary sector partnerships interested in setting up a Support Care service were held in London in September 2006. The representatives of the LAs who took part are now looking to set up a Support Care service within their Fostering or Family Support sectors. If you would like to attend a future seminar, either in London or at a regional venue contact Joy on 01535 645711 or email joyhoward1@btinternet.com

In February 2007 the International Fostering Conference was be held in New Zealand. Support Care was represented by the Fostering Network Project workers, whose workshop proved to be very popular.

The 3 year Support Care Project in England came to an end in March 2007, with a well attended conference in Birmingham, which included workshops from some of the pilot projects. Birmingham Neighbourhood Care and Bradford Suppot Care/Crisis Care set up stalls for sharing materials and offering advice. A full report will be published; meanwhile a summary can be obtained from the Fostering Network.

The Fostering Network has currently dedicated a small amount of funding to the setting up of a Support Care National Network (England only at present). Work will begin on this in early 2008. Meanwhile, I am in the process of updating my contact database, and would be happy to hear from anyone either currently running, or planning to set up a short breaks service for children in need, or from anyone who would like to find out more about the service.

The White Paper 'Care Matters: Time for Change', out now, makes reference to Support Care, citing Bradford, and includes a case study from Bradford to illustrate how Support Care can work to keep children and young people who are on the edge of care at home with their families.

The IFP National Forum hosted in London by the Fostering Network in November 07 featured workshops on Support Care. Attendees were keen to look at ways in which their organisations could develop this service.

In February 2008, a Conference was held in Cardiff to mark the end of the extremely successful 3-year Support Care Project in Wales. Workshops included a presentation by Voices from Care Cymru; four of the pilot authories gave workshops on their progress, and a exploration of how Support Care can be used to prevent adoption breakdowns was facilitaed by myself. More information including the project report from the Fostering Network Wales.

In March 2008, the Fostering Network will be hosting two seminars on Support Care, in London (12th March) and Leeds (19th March). Anyone interested in attending please contact Candice Williams on 020 7620 6442 for further details.