ISP Fostering Blog

March 5 2025 12:00:00

Fostering vs. Parenting: Key Differences You Need to Know

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Considering fostering in the UK? Our guide answers key questions about fostering regulations, legal responsibilities, and why foster parenting requires a unique approach.

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February 12 2025 12:00:00

Strategies to Beat Compassion Fatigue as a Foster Parent

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If you’re a foster parent experiencing compassion fatigue, we’re here to help. Read on to learn more about what causes compassion fatigue and how to restore emotional balance.

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January 29 2025 12:00:00

5 Ways to Support Your Teen's Mental Health

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With almost half of the young people in care living with a mental health condition, here are five simple ways that you can promote your teenager's emotional wellbeing.

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December 10 2024 12:00:00

Navigating the Emotional Challenges of Being in Care at Christmas

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Fostering during Christmas can be both challenging and deeply rewarding. Here are some ways you can support a young person in navigating the complex emotions of being away from their family during this special time

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November 20 2024 12:00:00

The Benefits of Parent & Child Fostering

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Parent and child fostering is a deeply rewarding role. Not only will you provide a safe, therapeutic home for a vulnerable child, but you'll also offer parents the time and space they need to grow confidently into their parenting role. In this article, we explore the positive impact parent and child fostering has on children, parents and you.

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October 31 2024 12:00:00

Reasons to Foster a Teenager

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Our foster parents offer real insight into the challenges and rewards of fostering teenagers, playing a pivotal role in shaping their lives.

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October 9 2024 12:00:00

Therapeutic Fostering VS Traditional: What's the Difference?

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Let’s explore the key differences between traditional and therapeutic foster care.

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October 1 2024 12:00:00

The Need for More Black Foster Parents

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Discover the many benefits of matching a Black child in care with a family that shares their lived experiences, and why it's crucial for more Black foster parents to consider fostering.

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September 26 2024 8:00:00

Black History Month Activities for Kids

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We’ve put together some simple ideas for Black History Month that you and your family can get involved with.

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September 6 2024 12:00:00

5 Signs It's Time To Consider Transferring

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Wondering if it’s time to switch foster care agencies? Explore the key signs that may indicate it's time for a change.

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August 7 2024 12:00:00

A Care Leaver’s Therapy Journey

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At ISP Fostering, we champion a therapeutic approach to fostering, knowing its positive impact on young people living with trauma. Therapy is essential for healing trauma and helping them reach their potential.

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July 3 2024 12:00:00

Advice for New Foster Parents

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Discover helpful advice for new foster parents from our team, including insights from a care-experienced young person and a therapist.

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June 11 2024 8:00:00

Father's Day - Male Role Models in Foster Care: The Strength of Variety

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As we celebrate Father’s Day, we consider the male role models present in the lives of children and young people in care.

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April 9 2024 18:00:00

Mumsnet Questions – The TSD Workbook

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The TSD workbook can seem overwhelming, so we've created a guide to help you complete your workbook and answer the most frequently asked questions.

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February 21 2024 12:00:00

What Is Filial Play Therapy?

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Filial therapy is a type of therapy where foster parents are trained to provide therapeutic play sessions at home with the children in their care.

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December 6 2023 9:00:00

How to Make a Child in Care Feel Special at Christmas

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Christmas is a magical time of year for children, but it can be difficult for many young people in foster care. Read our advice on how foster parents can make Christmas special.

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November 15 2023 8:00:00

Sensory Activities for Children with Autism at Christmas

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Discover our delightful sensory activities designed to bring joy and excitement to both you and the child in your care who has autism. Take a peek and enjoy a world of easy and enjoyable experiences!

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October 24 2023 12:00:00

Sensory Activities for Trauma

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Explore the impact of trauma on sensory processing, the importance of sensory play for children in care, plus a variety of sensory activities for trauma.

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October 10 2023 8:00:00

Caring for Your Mental Health as a Foster Parent

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Paying attention to your mental health as a foster parent is vital. Learn why mental health matters, how to spot the signs of burnout, and ways to manage your mental well-being.

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October 3 2023 12:00:00

8 ways to survive menopause as a foster parent

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Menopause can be a challenging time for foster parents, but with the right support, you can manage your symptoms while still providing the very best care.

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August 1 2023 8:00:00

Ways schools can support children in foster care

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Young people in care can find education a challenge, so it’s important their school offers specialist support to help them thrive and succeed academically.

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May 9 2023 10:00:00

Rewarding jobs working with children with special needs

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If you have a passion for supporting children with disabilities, autism, and other additional needs, there are numerous remarkable career paths available to explore.

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April 20 2023 8:00:00

5 Activities to bring a child out of fight-or-flight

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The fear response is something that we will all have experienced. But how can we help children to feel safe and recover from the fear response?

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April 11 2023 10:00:00

Let's get messy - Play ideas for children with Autism

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Playtime with your child with autism can be a fantastic way to strengthen your relationship with them and help them grow and develop. Here are a few messy play activities we can all enjoy.

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March 23 2023 12:00:00

5 Ways to Support a Child This Ramadan

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Helpful ways that foster parents can support children this Ramadan and make it a meaningful month for the whole family.

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March 21 2023 8:00:00

Building a successful career in foster care

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A career in foster care is more than just a job; it’s a passion. Discover what you need to build a successful fostering career to enrich your life and transform the lives of vulnerable young people.

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February 28 2023 12:00:00

4 reasons why you should switch fostering agency

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Being a foster parent is a rewarding but demanding role, so it’s important you’re with a fostering agency that values and supports you. Here are 4 reasons to start considering a transfer.

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February 17 2023 12:00:00

10 Signs of an eating disorder in children

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Despite the subtleness of the signs, there are some warning signs that you can look out for when it comes to eating disorders in children.

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February 16 2023 8:00:00

Princess of Wales’ Shaping Us campaign is important for foster care

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The campaign aims to raise awareness around the importance of early childhood years, and how they fundamentally shape who we become as adults.

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January 30 2023 8:00:00

Bedroom Designs for Foster Children With Special Needs

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If you are open to fostering a child with additional needs, it’s important to ensure their bedroom is designed with their needs in mind. Here are some great bedroom ideas for children with special needs.

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January 24 2023 7:00:00

Looking for jobs that help others? 5 reasons to consider fostering

Latest blogs

If you’re interested in helping people and making positive change in the world, you should consider a highly rewarding career in foster care.

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December 14 2022 12:00:00

Is it time to switch to an independent fostering agency?

Latest blogs

If you’re fostering through your local authority but aren't getting the support and recognition you deserve, you might want to consider transferring to an independent fostering agency.

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November 23 2022 9:00:00

Fostering Agencies vs Local Authorities

Latest blogs

If you are considering becoming a foster parent, one of the first things you need to decide is do you pick a Fostering Agency or a Local Authority, both options have their own advantages - let's find out more.

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November 11 2022 12:00:00

Let’s talk about this year’s John Lewis Christmas ad

Latest blogs

Amazing to see John Lewis & Partners raising awareness of the incredible work of foster parents in this year's Christmas advert

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November 8 2022 9:55:00

So, You Want to be a Foster Parent…What Happens Next?

Latest blogs

Dig a little deeper and understand the steps involved, and why an independent agency like ISP could be a great fit for you.

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October 20 2022 8:32:00

6 Sensory Halloween Activities For Your Autistic Child

Latest blogs

Check out these spooky sensory game ideas that are great for getting your autistic foster child involved in all the Halloween fun.

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October 20 2022 8:32:00

Bonfire Night Tips for Children with Autism

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Bonfire Night is a fantastic explosion of colours, smells and sounds, but for children with autism, it can be a very stressful time. Follow our tips to make Bonfire Night an enjoyable celebration for all.

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September 20 2022 12:00:00

How to encourage children to try new foods

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If your child is a picky eater or regularly refuses to eat their vegetables, here are 5 small changes you can make to help them explore, and hopefully enjoy, a variety of different foods.

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September 9 2022 8:00:00

6 Advantages Of Fostering With Birth Children

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Fostering is a wonderful, rewarding career choice, but it’s a big decision to make. Especially when you have birth children to consider. But there are many advantages of fostering with birth children. Let’s take a closer look.

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July 7 2022 16:22:00

10 Questions To Ask When Transfering Foster Agency

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If you think you need to change fostering agency, make sure to have these questions up your sleeve so you can be sure you make the right decision.

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November 22 2021 12:00:00

6 Skills Care Workers Can Bring to a Foster Care Career

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If you’re a care worker who is looking for a new career path, fostering could be a flourishing career choice.

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August 20 2020 17:30:00

How to Prepare for Your First Foster Child

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This is the first post in our Guide to a Successful First Placement, sharing great advice from our experienced foster carers to help you prepare for your first foster child coming to live with you.

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August 20 2020 17:30:00

Important Things to do the First Day with a Foster Child

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This is the second post in our Guide to a Successful First Placement, sharing great advice from our experienced foster carers about important things to do on the first day with a foster child to help them feel settled.

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August 20 2020 17:25:00

How to Support Your Own Children When Fostering

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This is the third post in our Guide to a Successful First Placement, sharing great advice from our experienced foster carers on how to support your own children when fostering.

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August 19 2020 18:00:00

Spotting the signs of self-harm

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Want to understand how to spot the signs of self harm? Our blog goes in-depth into what self harm is and how to spot it.

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August 18 2020 18:00:00

How Hard Is It To Keep Siblings In Foster Care Together?

Latest blogs

According to local authorities with the support of leading organisations, there are currently 52.050 children in foster care with 32% of those children under five years of age and 61% aged between 5 and 15. 52% of these children are living with their foster carers on their 18th birthday and 70% of siblings in foster care are placed together.

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August 18 2020 16:00:00

How You Can Help Your Child Deal with Frustration and Anger

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August 10 2020 12:00:00

Promoting the Mental Health of Looked After Children

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We have been promoting the mental health looked after children by hosting a number of events and support groups for foster parents across the region.

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