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Adoption

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Original poster

First training day (end of stage 1?)

19 replies

topcat2014 · 28/01/2018 16:09

We have our first training day on Wednesday (in Bristol, as it happens).
Our LA (Glos) is part of a larger merged group, when it comes to adoptions.

Just looked at the joining instructions, and we have to "take something to share with the group".

So, that will be cakes then - probably bought.

Mind you, no idea how big the group will be - a dozen or so?

Hopefully should be an interesting day!

OP posts:

Ted27 · 28/01/2018 16:40

are you sure it means food?

might it might something personal, like a photo or an object that has special meaning, represents a memory etc

fos6mo3 · 28/01/2018 17:03

We do this in skill to foster ask new foster carers to bring something I took not nanas locket I think but I am sure it means something special to you or something that represents you x

Original poster

topcat2014 · 28/01/2018 20:17

I only guessed at food - it just says 'something to share with the group'.

Might need to ring and check!

OP posts:

Original poster

topcat2014 · 28/01/2018 20:18

The sentence followed on immediately from talking about catering..

OP posts:

hidinginthenightgarden · 28/01/2018 20:36

We weren't asked to take any food. Group size was about 10-12.

DeegeeDee · 28/01/2018 21:21

Ours was definitely something special that represented a memory. Was a very ambiguous sentence which we had to query. Good luck for the training.

Original poster

topcat2014 · 29/01/2018 07:08

What I am learning is that I will have to try and dredge up all types of thoughts and opinions about my life.

Not saying that is a bad thing, just it doesn't come naturally to me. I tend to live in the present and not dwell on stuff.

So - the idea of 'something that represents me' is something that I will have to give some speedy thought to :)

OP posts:

familylifeiseverything · 29/01/2018 07:43

We weren't asked to bring anything on the training days. They are very informative (albeit looong) but be prepared to "reflect" on your feelings a lot about everything which is not natural for me either. I'm a very practical and logical person so the touchy feeling part of it all was very alien to me but you just have to grin and bear the SW "speak".

There will be so many differences between each LA in his journey that you will come to discover so when you come up against something that you are unsure of and ask on here you will get 50% who agree and the other half that don't. It's the most frustrating part of the whole process.

A very experienced foster carer said to us that you can't change the system so just agree with them and you will get through it.

Good luck!

howmanyusernames · 29/01/2018 08:39

On our first training day food was provided, but then everyone was asked to bring a 'contribution' to share with the group. Our group was probably about 20 people, including SW's.
I would just ask them beforehand to clarify.

PoppyCherry · 29/01/2018 21:32

My bet is that many people will take an item of deep personal significance, for example something from childhood/from a close friend or relative.

People will be asked why they bought them

This will then be used as a springboard for a discussion on attachment/loss/grief.

Just my guess :)

Call to get clarity and let us know! I’ll be interested in the answer.

Original poster

topcat2014 · 30/01/2018 18:44

In the end, I rang - turns out it is food (this time)..

Planning on buying doughnuts en route..

OP posts:

PoppyCherry · 30/01/2018 20:57

You’ll be popular, 🤣 🍩🍩❤️

Original poster

topcat2014 · 31/01/2018 18:25

Had a fabulous day's training - we took Mr Kipling cakes in the end.

Loads of sweets etc too, and just had chicken nuggets for tea..

Seriously - it's a big topic, but every time we do a little more towards it I feel more certain of what we are doing.

OP posts:

PoppyCherry · 31/01/2018 18:31

I’m down the road from you in Wiltshire (for now. Moving across the country soon). Almost 4 years into placement. Happy to chat/PM/meet if you’d like to know anything about our experiences.

Glad you enjoyed today.

PoppyCherry · 31/01/2018 18:39

(North Wiltshire that is)

Original poster

topcat2014 · 31/01/2018 18:49

@poppycherry - thanks. One of the things we learned today was the importance of peer support. MN is proving invaluable so far.

OP posts:

PlateOfBiscuits · 31/01/2018 18:53

I’m glad you checked. I was worrying that you had turned up with a plate of sarnies when you were actually supposed to take a symbolic special item - or vice versa.

Glad it’s all going well.

PoppyCherry · 31/01/2018 19:46

importance of peer support

Being able to spout off in a safe environment (other adopters) has kept me sane sometimes.

Some of the —don’t know what the fuck they’re talking about— non-adopters on this thread would have a bloody heart attack if they knew some of the things I’d done/said over the last few years.

Peer support is really important. Face to face as well as online.

PoppyCherry · 31/01/2018 19:46

Strikeout fail. Oh well.

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