Hi, my name is Teri Wright, and I have joined PCC in June 2024 as a Fostering Reviewing Officer.

I come from background of residential and fostering social worker roles in neighbouring Cambridgeshire, where I have worked for 28 years.

The Fostering Services Regulations (2011) stipulate that suitability to foster should be reviewed annually. As a Fostering Reviewing Officer, I coordinate Annual Reviews of fostering households and chair Annual Review Meetings.

The Annual Review gathers views of all household members, especially children, and of all the colleagues who worked with each foster carer in their fostering year. We work hard to get as many contributions to each annual review as possible, to showcase the amazing work of our foster carers. All the views are presented to the foster carer at least a week before the Annual Review Meeting. The Meeting takes place in the foster home, with the SSW and myself in attendance.

I regard the Annual Review as an opportunity to ensure that we all work in accordance with the Fostering Services Regulations (2011). I check that the foster carers continue to meet their Training, Support and Development standards, and that they are developing themselves professionally through continued training and learning. Finally, I regard the annual review as an opportunity to celebrate the incredible work that our foster carers do. I work closely with foster carers but also with the Fostering Teams colleagues. Peterborough Fostering Service has a collaborative, friendly and supportive feel.

I am a passionate believer in the therapeutic and social value of fostering. We are lucky to work with many amazing foster carers, who, in a true ‘unsung hero’ way, make a positive difference to the lives of so many children. Effective fostering can have life-changing impact during childhood, but also beyond. Foster carers lay the foundation for effective and healthy relationships, achievement in education and employment, and future parenting. Effective fostering can prevent mental and physical ill-health and benefits the whole society. I love my current role, and it is a privilege to work with so many amazing foster carers and social worker colleagues.