News & Blog
Expecting the Unexpected
Posted 7 December 2021
Christmas is a time when a lot of emergency placements are needed and expecting the unexpected becomes even more important than usual. And more challenging too.
The Father Christmas Conundrum
Posted 23 November 2021
Advent serves as an effective countdown clock for foster carers. Reminding us all to buy the right presents, be present and face the Father Christmas conundrum.
'Tis nearly the season...
Posted 9 November 2021
Christmas may seem small compared to boosters saving lives and COP26, but your celebrations too could benefit from a bit of preparation – especially if a foster child is involved.
Things that go bump in the night
Posted 26 October 2021
As the time of year approaches when the world seems set on scary, dark things, it seems appropriate to think about what worries the children we work with.
Fostering Parents
Posted 12 October 2021
Even the best of us need a little support sometimes and this is super true in fostering, although perhaps not in the way you’re thinking.
Embrace Autumn Outdoors
Posted 21 September 2021
As you say goodbye to summer, don’t even think of staying inside. Instead, grab your sense of adventure and foster a life outdoors this autumn.
Positively Managing Problem Behaviour
Posted 7 September 2021
Behaviour is a part of our identity so how can we positively manage problematic behaviours and help foster children live their best life?
Putting Teen Mental Health First
Posted 17 August 2021
Encouraging and facilitating positive mental health habits is the best remit, along with modelling them yourself. But what habits will help?
Cheering Home Connection
Posted 3 August 2021
Is this another sport-themed blog from us? Well, vaguely – it is the Olympics after all. Really though, it is about support. And connection.
Survive the Summer Holidays
Posted 20 July 2021
To help you make the most of the next six weeks, we’ve put together our top tips for surviving the summer - let’s face it, we’re all due a good time!
Game, set, match!
Posted 6 July 2021
Does a disadvantaged start in life preclude foster children from reaching their full potential in a sport or hobby? Not according to Novak Djokovic.
Happiness is...
Posted 22 June 2021
Whatever makes us happy, we can probably agree that happiness itself is a pretty nice feeling. How can we play our part in raising happy kids?
Max out your freedom
Posted 8 June 2021
Hooray for hugs and holidays! Hooray for cinemas, soft play and sports crowds! Yes, just in time for the summer, we’re all allowed to do more again!
#WhyWeCare
Posted 18 May 2021
We may be a varied team here at Footprints, but we agree that our big care is foster care. As part of FCF 2021, we asked each other #whywecare?
Self care isn't selfish
Posted 4 May 2021
In a couple of weeks, we’ll be celebrating Foster Care Fortnight and thinking about why we care for others, but right now our focus is on self-care.
Lifting the Restrictions
Posted 20 April 2021
We get that laws can be misunderstood and myths abound, because for years the same has been true for the regulations surrounding foster caring.
Influencing Mental Health
Posted 6 April 2021
Young people worry about school, friendships and climate change. Most are not new, but more shocking are the latest figures on mental health.
The Roadmap Out of Anxiety
Posted 16 March 2021
If going into school again has made a child you care for more anxious, there are lots of ideas which can help - all encourage self-regulation.
#ChooseToChallenge
Posted 2 March 2021
The organisers of #IWD2021 believe that a challenged world is a changed world. We’re taking a look at the stories of four inspirational women.
The Psychology of Pancakes
Posted 16 February 2021
It’s Pancake Day – hooray! Possibly the most delicious day of the year has arrived and we are excited to get mixing, flipping and munching.
Creating Room for Routine
Posted 2 February 2021
If you're struggling with routine, being able to control the controllable can have a surprisingly big impact on how we cope day to day.
Don't be Restricted
Posted 19 January 2021
Is it safe to ask how your New Year’s resolutions are going? We hope you’re still going strong, but if those goals seem long gone, don’t worry.
New Year, New Adventure
Posted 5 January 2021
Yes, we’ve just entered a new lockdown, but there’s still the hope of holidays, hugs and new adventures on the horizon!
It's Tradition
Posted 22 December 2020
We know that Christmas when you’re involved with fostering can be a bit less predictable, but are there any traditions you try and include each year?
An extra place at the table
Posted 8 December 2020
Yes, like a set of twinkly fairy lights at the end of a long lockdown tunnel, Christmas is ready to get us feeling festive. Ho Ho Ho.