Redditch foster mum becomes first in Warwickshire to gain social care diploma (From Redditch Advertiser)
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Redditch foster mum becomes first in Warwickshire to gain social care diploma
2:30pm Thursday 13th September 2012 in Local
Karen Bennett is presented with her certificate by Phil Sawbridge, Warwickshire County Council’s head of service for Children in Need, and Jeanette Mainwaring from the Fostering Service.
A FOSTER mother from Redditch has become the first person to complete a national qualification in health and social care through Warwickshire County Council’s fostering service.
Karen Bennett lives with her husband Alan in Redditch, but the couple have been foster carers for neighbouring county Warwickshire for three years, caring for a number of youngsters, and supporting two small children through the adoption process.
She said: “Seeing a child grow from a troubled toddler with no boundaries into a happy, loving little person is incredibly rewarding. It’s a difficult job which requires a lot of patience, and it is always hard to say goodbye, but knowing that the support we have given can change a youngster’s future makes it worth it.”
Mrs Bennett took on the Qualification and Curriculum Framework (QCF) Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce – Social Care Pathway, becoming the first foster carer in the county to complete the course.
She believes it has made her a better carer. She added: “The qualification will allow me to make fostering an even bigger part of my life as I will be involved in training new foster carers. I am now also better equipped to handle more demanding foster care placements.”
Mrs Bennett was presented with her certificate last week by Phil Sawbridge, the county council’s head of service for Children in Need. He said: “I’m incredibly proud of Karen and all she has done for children in Warwickshire. She is a credit to our service and should be thrilled about her achievement.
“Qualified and enthusiastic carers like Karen make our fostering service more resilient, leading to longer more experienced caring careers and ultimately better achievements and outcomes for looked after young people.”
Across the county, 20 carers are currently enrolled on the course. All are due to complete next year.
