Fostering liaison and action group (FLAG)

FLAG is a quarterly meeting of our foster carers and other professionals including senior leaders, to support transparent and up-to-date communication with what’s happening in fostering in Nottinghamshire.

Who attends the FLAG meetings?

We have anywhere between 80 to 120 people who attend these virtual meetings (which are usually held on a Monday evening). This includes carers, regular attendees and representatives from our virtual school, health services, the Independent Chair Service, as well as other professionals involved with supporting and caring for our children living in fostering families.

What happens before the meetings?

There is a pre-meeting before any FLAG meeting where the chair and vice-chair of the FLAG meet with the service manager and head of service of fostering to explore how the time can be best used. Together we begin to work through any challenges so that the main meeting can then look at solutions and answers. This has been a positive step forward for the FLAG and the fostering service to work closely together in a strengths-based way.

What happens during the meetings?

The meetings provide an opportunity to hear from people in various roles including guest speakers who are invited to talk about specific areas affecting fostering and fostering families. The time is used to identify challenges in being a foster carer, explore solutions and ways to better work together. We also celebrate and share positives.

The meetings provide an opportunity to identify and promote shared learning, new initiatives and local and regional events. We share information and communications around Foster for East Midlands Councils and opportunities for foster carers to get involved.