Bexley foster carers are praising the council's 'Fostering Together' initiative, which aims to create sustainable foster care through a relational model inspired by extended family networks.
The Children's Services and Education Overview and Scrutiny Committee heard from foster carers and councillors alike about the programme's positive impact at a meeting on Wednesday, 2 July 2025.
Tracey Berwick, a foster carer with 26 years of experience, told the committee that she felt something was missing in the support offered to foster carers, which led to the development of 'Fostering Together'.
The support we provide, it's invaluable, really,
she said. We're there 24-7 for our foster carers. We look after their children. We go out on activities. We're always there for them.
Amara Ali-Sheikh, another foster carer, added that the initiative benefits both foster carers and children, providing respite and fostering good communication. Fostering together is benefiting for all of us, the foster carers, the children, to have a time off from home,
she said. And, yes, it really is benefiting for everyone.
Councillor Janice Ward-Wilson, Deputy Mayor of Bexley 2025/26, praised the programme, noting that it differed from her own fostering experience and would have been absolutely wonderful
to have available.
Councillor Jeremy Fosten, Deputy Leader of the Labour Group/Shadow Cabinet Member for Children's Services & Education, inquired about the £10 monthly contribution from core carers for children's activities. Tracey Berwick clarified that the money funds activities for both the children and the carers, such as a Christmas get-together.
The Fostering Together report noted that since the initiative's inception in October 2022, there has been only one placement breakdown (up to May 2025). In that case, the child was successfully moved to another carer within the same community—someone they already knew and trusted.
As of June 2025, Bexley has established eight Fostering Together communities, including two specialist groups, with over 78 fostering households actively participating in this innovative model.
