Ongoing support is one of the most important concerns for individuals who consider becoming a foster carer.

We consider this to be a major factor when recruiting carers and importantly retaining them.

It has made the difference to continued placement stability for some of the most vulnerable children and young people residing in South Australia.

It is important that foster care agencies ensure that support exists.

Key Assets developed the Team Parenting model.

Team Parenting focusses on supporting carers to create an environment in which the child is able to thrive in terms of their physical and emotional well-being, achieve in terms of their educational outcomes, and grow in self- confidence. It involves working closely with carers to reach a common understanding and agreement regarding social, educational and therapeutic goals for the child. (Caw & Sebba,2014).

At Key assets South Australia we pride ourselves on how well supported our carer’s feel which was demonstrated via a recent carer survey which reported that 100% felt supported by the agency and 95% would recommend Key Assets to their family and friends.

We would intend to share examples of what this looks like including regular visits, supervision, support groups, training, respite provision and advice provided by a suitably qualified therapist.

We would then share information as to the positive outcomes such an approach delivers in terms of placement stability and carer retention.

We would like to then take this further by presenting video footage of Key Assets South Australia foster carers sharing their experience of support and the benefits derived from the provision in their own words and consequently measuring the success of the approach.