Rina

Introducing Rina, one of our amazing Supervising Social Workers

Rina has worked in fostering for over four years, joining a Council fostering team in 2024 after gaining experience with an Independent Fostering Agency. Before that, she spent more than a decade in frontline child protection social work. For her, fostering was a natural next step, and one that allowed her to build lasting relationships and support families in a more proactive, strengths-based way.

As a Supervising Social Worker, Rina’s role is both practical and deeply relational. She explains:

“I make sure carers are matched with children whose needs align with their skills and approval criteria. I prepare them for placements by sharing background information, care plans, and expectations. I visit regularly to monitor the child’s wellbeing and the carer’s experience, and I offer reflective supervision to explore challenges, progress, and the emotional impact of the work.

“Fostering is incredibly rewarding. I get to work alongside carers not just during times of crisis, but in their everyday efforts to provide stability, nurture resilience, and transform children’s lives.”

She also supports carers’ development by identifying training needs, facilitating access to courses like safeguarding and trauma-informed care, and encouraging peer learning. And when things get tough, she’s there too:

“I’m available during emergencies or placement breakdowns, including out-of-hours support. I advocate for carers in multi-agency meetings, make sure their voices are heard, and provide a listening ear when they need reassurance. It’s about being a consistent, reliable presence; someone they can turn to, day or night.”

That consistency is something carers value deeply. Rina says they often tell her how much it means to feel heard, respected, and not judged—especially when facing challenges.

“They appreciate timely responses, transparent updates, and training that empowers them to meet children’s needs. They want to feel professionally valued and celebrated for the vital role they play in children’s lives.”

One moment that stands out for Rina is when several carers actively advocated for her to remain their supervising social worker during a period of change.

“That level of trust and connection meant a great deal. I’ve also had carers speak positively about me to their peers, which reinforces that the support I provide is not only valued but respected within the fostering community.

“It’s especially meaningful when carers themselves verbalise their appreciation, whether it’s for my timely responses, my availability during difficult moments, or simply the way I communicate with them.

“What I’m most proud of, though, is the relationship we’ve built over time. We’ve created a space where misunderstandings can be addressed openly and respectfully, as professionals. There’s no defensiveness, just a shared commitment to doing what’s best for the children in our care.”

She’s seen carers grow in confidence and resilience, evolving from tentative first-timers into capable individuals ready to take on more complex placements. Witnessing that transformation, and knowing she’s played a part in it, is what makes her work so fulfilling.

For those thinking about fostering but unsure how to talk to their family or birth children about it, Rina offers this advice:

“It’s natural to feel uncertain about how fostering might affect your household, especially your birth children. But open, honest conversations are the best place to start. Share your reasons for wanting to foster—whether it’s to make a difference, offer stability to a child, or give back to your community—and invite your family to express their thoughts too.

“Birth children often benefit in ways you might not expect. They learn empathy, resilience, and the value of helping others. That said, it’s important to acknowledge their concerns—whether it’s about sharing space, attention, or adjusting to new routines. Reassure them that their voice matters and that fostering won’t mean they’re loved any less. You don’t need to have all the answers right away. Just begin the conversation and let it grow.”