Theme of the Month - Promoting the Health of Children and Young People

Fostering a child comes with the profound responsibility of nurturing their overall health and well-being. This guide offers foster carers essential insights into understanding and addressing the health needs of foster children, from initial health assessments to promoting long-term wellness. With a focus on collaboration with health professionals, adherence to National Minimum Standards, and the development of informed health plans, foster carers are empowered to create a supportive environment that prioritises the physical, emotional, and psychological health of the children in their care. Discover practical tips for managing medical care, promoting healthy lifestyles, and preparing young people for independence, ensuring they receive the comprehensive support they need to thrive.

Nurturing the Health and Well-being of Foster Children: A Comprehensive Guide

As foster carers, our paramount concern is the health and well-being of the children and young people entrusted to our care. However, the complexities of their health histories and needs can often present challenges. Whether it’s navigating unknown medical backgrounds or addressing conditions unfamiliar to us, our duty remains clear. The National Minimum Standards, Standard 6, underscores the importance of fostering an environment conducive to the physical, emotional, and psychological health of foster children, ensuring they have access to necessary health services.

Embarking on the Health Journey

Gathering Information: Begin with gathering as much information as possible about the child or young person’s health status and history. Understandably, in some cases, especially with children recently removed from their homes or arriving from overseas, detailed health information may be scarce. Engage with the child or young person’s social worker and your Supervising Social Worker (SSW) to inquire about any known health conditions, allergies, or medical appointments. Familiarise yourself with any conditions or therapeutic interventions they may require, and be prepared to undertake specialist training if necessary.

Initial Observations: Upon the child’s arrival, make discreet observations of their physical condition and behavior, noting any concerns to discuss with your SSW. Engage in age-appropriate conversations with the child about their health and well-being, acting on the information they share while consulting your SSW.

Placement Planning and Medical Checks: The Placement Planning Meeting, held within the first week of the child’s arrival, is crucial for addressing health needs. Here, the Initial Placement Agreement (IPA) outlines your roles in their care, including health-related decisions and actions you’re authorised to make. Subsequent medical, dental, and optical checks will help build a comprehensive Health Plan for the child, drawing on assessments and your observations.

Facilitating Health Care

Training and Safety: Ensure you’re trained in first aid, health, and hygiene, including the management of communicable diseases and medication. This training, coupled with the safe storage of medications, is vital for fostering a healthy living environment.

Promoting Health and Well-being: Embrace your role in promoting the child’s health, from offering a balanced diet to encouraging physical activity and discussing health, well-being, and lifestyle choices openly. Help the young people in your care to understand their health needs and to make informed decisions, preparing them for independence.

Practical Tips for Foster Carers

Seek Prompt Medical Attention: If the child becomes unwell or is injured, seek medical attention immediately. This proactive approach can prevent further complications and safeguard against potential complaints or accusations.
Avoid Home Remedies: Refrain from using home remedies or alternative treatments without explicit approval from medical professionals and the child’s social worker.
Work in Partnership: Establish positive relationships with health professionals, ensuring effective communication and the timely completion of health checks and appointments.
Encourage Independence: Support young people in taking responsibility for their own health as they approach independence, providing them with the knowledge and tools to make informed choices about their lifestyle.
Keep Thorough Records: Document all health-related issues, discussions, and updates in the child’s Health Passport, ensuring it remains current and comprehensive.

Caring for the health and well-being of foster children requires diligence, compassion, and a commitment to navigating the complexities of their needs. By gathering information, engaging in open communication, and following through on health plans and professional advice, foster carers can provide a nurturing and supportive environment. This not only meets the children’s health needs but also fosters their overall development and prepares them for a healthy, independent future.

FAQs on Fostering Children’s Health and Well-being

Q: How can I find out about a foster child’s health history? A: Gather as much information as possible from the child’s social worker and your Supervising Social Worker (SSW) before the child arrives. Understand that in some cases, especially with children recently removed from their homes or coming from overseas, detailed health information may be limited. Review any available referral documents and ask specific questions regarding known health conditions, allergies, and past medical appointments.

Q: What should I do if a child arrives with an unfamiliar health condition? A: If a child or young person arrives with a health condition or diagnosis that is unfamiliar to you, it’s important to educate yourself about the condition. Your agency may provide resources or require you to undergo specialist training. Always communicate openly with health professionals and the child’s social worker for guidance and support.

Q: What are my responsibilities in managing a foster child’s medical care? A: Your responsibilities include making discreet observations about the child’s physical and behavioural health upon arrival, facilitating initial medical, dental, and optical checks, and ensuring the child is registered with local health services. You’ll also need to complete and update health-related training, administer medication safely, and actively participate in creating and following the child’s Health Plan.

Q: How can I promote a foster child’s health and well-being? A: Promote the child’s health by providing a balanced diet, ensuring high standards of personal hygiene, encouraging regular physical activity, and fostering good sleep routines. Openly discuss health, well-being, and lifestyle choices, providing advice and information to help the child make informed decisions about their health.

Q: What if a foster child needs medical attention? A: If a foster child becomes unwell or suffers an injury, seek prompt medical attention. Always act in the best interest of the child’s health and safety, and communicate any health concerns or treatments with your SSW and the child’s social worker. Avoid using home remedies or discontinuing treatments without medical advice.

Q: How can I help a foster child prepare for independence in managing their health? A: Encourage the child or young person to take responsibility for their own health as they approach independence. Share knowledge, advice, and experiences to build their capacity to make informed health and lifestyle decisions. Support them in participating in discussions about their health care and advocate for their views to be heard and considered.

Q: What records should I keep regarding a foster child’s health? A: Maintain detailed records of all health issues, treatments, appointments, and medications in the child’s Health Passport and your weekly logs. Document any accidents and injuries, inform your SSW immediately, and complete an Incident Report as required.