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Transition to Independence 2011
In 2011, we have looked at the processes and support available to the young person moving towards and following independence. You can view the Terms of Reference for this project. We have run workshops in each of the four areas for foster carers and had talks with the service providers. The final report from the project can be viewed here.

On the 18 January 2012 we held a conference at Lenham covering this topic which included speakers from Catch22, Connexions, LAC Nurses, John Short (on taxation and benefits) and Canterbury Christ Church University (on Care Leavers in Higher Education). We concluded with a discussion on 'Preparing the Young Person for Independence'. The day proved very informative and provided us with a more in-depth understanding of the role of the major service providers and the services available while acknowledging that there is more work to be done to enable smoother transitions.

Copies of the presentations can be found here.

Foster Carers Conference 2011
On 03 March 2011 we held a conference for foster carers. It reviewed 2010 activities (AGM part of the meeting) and looked at plans for 2011 which talked about the 2011 project 'Transition to Independence'. We also had several interesting speakers including Tony Doran the new Virtual Head for Kent Schools; Teresa & Stuart Griffiths, who are experienced foster carers, spoke about Strategies for Successful Fostering; Annie Webster, another experienced foster carer and a qualified counsellor, spoke about Anger Management; Teresa Vickers, Kent Fostering County Manager, gave an update on Kent Fostering; and FosterTalk gave a presentation on services available to carers. Copies of the slides can be viewed here.

New Carer Inductions 2011
The KFCA attends New Carer Inductions where they make a presentation about KFCA. A copy of the presentation can be found here for those who what a refresher.

 Mental Health Project 2010
The KFCA have completed a project in 2010 to better understand the mental health processes and services available to young people in Kent. You can view the Terms of Reference.
 Workshops have been held in Sandwich and Lenham to collate carer input. The report from the workshops can be viewed : KFCA Mental Health Project 2010 report.

A major conference took place on 20 January 2011 with guest speakers. The concluding message is that all parties supporting the LAC need to work together to encourage emotional stabilisation. Copies of the presentations can be found here. 

 Allegations and Complaints Project 2009
In 2009 the KFCA undertook a project with a Terms of Reference which set out to improve foster carers understanding of the processes around allegations and complaints and how to deal effectively with the process. The project included the several workshops with carers as well as a major conference. The report can be viewed here: KFCA Allegations and Complaints Report

 Preventing Placement Breakdown Project 2008
This was another major project involving discussions with foster carers, social workers, etc. The project also included 4 workshops run in each of the 4 geographical areas which aimed to improve foster carers skills in communicating effectively, managing stress, contributions from children who care and the psychology of care. The project was wound up with a major conference. A report was produced "Preventing Placement Breakdown- Guidelines and Best Practice".

As part of this project we produced a report on Behaviour Management Techniques which is a collection of ideas and techniques used successfully by other foster carers.

 LAC Excluded from School in Kent 2007
 This was our first major project. It set out to provide a statement of best practice in foster care to prevent exclusions from school and where exclusions does take place, clear guidelines on what support is available and what legal obligations there are. The final product was a report agreed with Education, Social Services and Foster Carers titled "Education of Looked After Children in Kent: Foster Carers Guidelines and Best Practice".