As the social-distancing rules have been relaxed, we take a look at how our own foster carers coped with and adapted to the Covid-19 lockdown, and how it affected children in their care. Some carers are trying to recreate the school day to give some structure. For...
Fostering Guides

5 Ways Christmas Might Be Different for Fostered Children
As we head into 2020, all of us at AFA Fostering, along with our busy foster carers, are getting ready for the last Christmas of the decade. For many, it’s a time of big grocery shopping trips, school plays, hanging festive decorations, lots of mince pies, secret...

Why Are Case Records and Logs So Important to Young People?
Barnardo’s has one of the largest collections of archives and records about children in the world, dating from the 1870s to the present day. This archive holds thousands of files and photographs of children and young people who were looked after by the charity, either...

Sensory Care Made Simple: Touch
Senses are the way we detect our world, helping us understand what we see, hear, touch, smell and taste. We also have three other senses which help us to detect the world. They are largely unknown but play a crucial role in how we feel. These senses are called...
Keeping Kids Safe in Summer
We’ve all been enjoying our unusually hot summer weather. But it can bring unexpected risks and dangers. Don’t forget: Avoid dehydration Toddlers and young children can easily become dehydrated: 1 - 3 years old should be drinking 1 to 1.5 litres of fluid per day 5 - 8...
Penny Appeal Launches Islamic Guidance on Fostering
AFA Fostering are really pleased to see the launch of Islamic Guidance on the Contemporary Practice of Adoption and Fostering in the UK having worked closely with Penny Appeal on their campaign to raise the awareness of fostering within Muslim communities. Funded by...
Keeping Foster Children Safe on the Internet
AFA believes that we need to teach our young people how to use the internet in a safe way. Safer internet use starts at home! Here are some tips from the UK Safer Internet Centre on how to start: Open and honest conversations Talk regularly with the foster children in...
Information on Special Guardianship Orders (SGOs)
Special Guardianship orders are often discussed at LAC reviews and currently, a number of Local Authorities are developing policies relating to SGOs. Here is some information we thought might be helpful: What is special guardianship? Below definition from CorumBAAF...
Advice for Foster Parents on Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)
We take CSE very seriously here at AFA. We recognise the risks and challenges presented by Child Sexual Exploitation, and that it is our responsibility to identify young people in our care who are at risk of CSE. We work with other agencies to safeguard and protect...
How to Support Your Foster Child With a Healthy Diet
Encouraging your child with a healthy diet can be challenging. Particularly with all the varying commercials regarding, fast food restaurants, sweets and drinks. Marketing are very good with the timings and locations of advertising these products. Also it is important...