Tracy Bain, Social Work Assistant: Meet the Team Interview

What are your responsibilities as a Social Work Assistant in Parent and Child fostering?

My role is incredibly varied, and I step in wherever support is needed. However, my primary focus is working closely with our Parent and Child foster families. I visit families weekly to support both the foster carers and the parents - whether it’s a mum and baby, dad and baby, both parents with a child, or even a mum with 2 babies.

I help assess how the week has gone; how the baby is feeding and sleeping, whether they’re being bathed regularly. I also support the parent by observing their daily routines: personal hygiene, doing laundry, and engaging with their child. My goal is to understand where they’re thriving and where they may need extra support.

What are Parent and Child fostering support groups like?

Our Parent and Child (P&C) fostering support groups tend to be small and intimate, usually hosted at one of our hubs. We have lunch, and it's just a space where we can talk about each family. It's just an open space where we can all have a frank discussion.

For example, in a recent group, one foster carer shared how they were struggling to balance their responsibilities with having young children of their own. It opened a helpful dialogue with others sharing their own tips and experiences. These sessions are invaluable for anyone involved in Parent and Child fostering arrangements. It's just a really good, open, informal way that we can all have a chat and see if anyone can help.

What do you enjoy most about working in Parent and Child fostering?

I love working with the parents and children because they're just so varied- every single one is different. I also develop strong, trusting relationships with the Parent and Child foster carers, seeing them at least once a week and often speaking daily when needed. It’s a very close and supportive partnership.

What do you think would surprise people about Parent and Child fostering?

Many people are surprised by how intense - but also how rewarding - Parent and Child placements can be. You can form deep bonds with the parents and children, and when those relationships flourish, it’s beautiful. It's great when you’re able to keep in touch and see pictures of parents and children that have left. I'm watching children grow up and seeing them starting school from when I only knew them as a baby. That's a very special aspect for P&C foster carers, as well as for myself. It’s so special to have helped play a part in that.

What’s your average day like in your role?

There’s no such thing as an average day! One minute I could have three appointments booked, and the next, I’m pulled into something completely different. That unpredictability keeps the job exciting.

What did you do before working in fostering?

I started working young - at 13, I worked in a garden centre. By 14, I was an auxiliary nurse in a nursing home!

Do you have any hobbies outside of fostering work?

I enjoy mountain biking, walking, and most of all, spending time with my family. That's my favourite thing in the world, just being with my kids. Witnessing the growing up of kids and partners and dogs and grandchildren.

What kind of music do you enjoy?

My taste is eclectic! I listen to everything: from ABBA and Aerosmith to country music and classic rock!

If you’re considering Parent and Child fostering, it’s important to know that:

• Every arrangement is unique: No two families are the same, making the role both challenging and fulfilling.

• Support is always available: Through regular visits and peer-led support groups, foster carers are never alone.

• The impact is long-lasting: Fostering a parent and child can lead to lifelong connections and incredibly rewarding outcomes.