Articles Archives - New Chapters Fostercare

Can I foster and still work?

Office Editor September 23, 2025 No Comments

Balancing career and caring in Shropshire, Staffordshire and the West Midlands This article is based on current practice and comments made by active foster carers and is written by Martin…

Agency seeking foster carers to fulfil region’s shortage

Office Editor August 28, 2025 No Comments

A Shropshire agency has responded to recently released figures highlighting the need for more foster carers in the region. New Chapters Fostercare (NCF) is keen to promote the positive benefits…

Foster Care Pay and Allowances

Velocity July 17, 2025 No Comments

This article is written by Martin George — Director of Quality Assurance and Compliance, Responsible Individual and Agency Decision Maker at New Chapters Fostercare. Martin draws on extensive experience in…

Foster Care Fortnight 2025: Shropshire Agency Joins National Campaign

Office Editor May 13, 2025 No Comments

The UK’s biggest annual awareness campaign about fostering takes place in May and a Shropshire agency – New Chapters Fostercare (NCF) – is shining a light on a county-based family…

A Shropshire fostering agency has taken on three new employees as part of its ongoing growth and customer service objectives. New Chapters Fostercare (NCF) has appointed Karen Pountney as acting registered manager, Merrikki Glendenning as foster family co-ordinator and Paul Grainger as the agency’s supervising social worker. Karen holds an NVQ level 4 in management, a DipSW in social work and BTEC national diplomas in social care and education. In her 28 years’ experience, she has managed a local authority fostering team of 200 carers and 15 staff, a residential care home, as well as worked in community care and nursing. Currently covering for maternity leave; and moving to another position when her colleague returns; Karen’s responsibilities as team manager include liaising with Ofsted to ensure NCF is regularly compliant and that foster parents are meeting national minimum standards. Prior to joining NCF Merrikki, who holds a degree in childcare, worked for 15 years in nurseries and as a teaching assistant in schools, with particular emphasis on special educational needs (SEN) children. Merrikki is the first point of contact at the agency and her responsibilities include assessing applications, referrals and replacements and matching potential foster parents with children. Paul’s 37 years’ experience at Telford & Wrekin Council (TW&C) included a period working in children’s homes, running the leaving care team, then supporting adults and children with disabilities in the community, and finally moving over to foster care work in 2012. During his time at (TW&C) he was seconded to university and qualified with a double diploma in social work and higher education. Speaking on behalf of the recruits about their new roles and prospects at NCF, Karen Pountney said: “NCF is a very people-centred organisation. It’s a fantastic working environment for its employees, foster parents and their children. We are proud to be part of a thriving, caring agency, and all see our long term futures here.” Craig Walton, director at NCF said: “These three new team members bring a combined wealth of experience and expertise bar none, to our agency, enabling us to provide the support and services our foster parents require and in turn help the ever-growing number of traumatised young people to live in safe family environments.” For more information about NCF visit: www.newchaptersfostercare.co.uk. Pictures: 1 (left to right): Karen Pountney, Paul Grainger and Merrikki Glendenning. 2 (left to right): Paul Grainger, Merrikki Glendenning and Karen Pountney.

Experienced Social Workers Join Shropshire Fostering Team

Velocity March 26, 2025 No Comments

A Shropshire fostering agency has taken on three new employees as part of its ongoing growth and customer service objectives. New Chapters Fostercare (NCF) has appointed Karen Pountney as acting…

Hope for Young People After Holiday Abuse Spike – Fostering in 2025

Velocity January 30, 2025 No Comments

A Shropshire fostering agency is aiming to offer a safe and secure environment to young people in 2025, as the issue of domestic abuse along with all forms of emotional,…

How a Trauma-Informed Approach is Transforming Foster Care in Shropshire

Velocity November 7, 2024 No Comments

Directors at a Shropshire fostering agency believe the move to a trauma-informed therapeutic approach of supporting children and young people, has been key to its success and sustainability. Shrewsbury based…

New Chapters Celebrates 10 Years of Foster Care in Shropshire

Velocity September 24, 2024 No Comments

A Shropshire fostering organisation celebrates its tenth year of incorporation in October. Shrewsbury based New Chapters Fostercare (NCF) was established by directors Craig Walton, Martin George and Rosie Cavalot in…

Does Every Child Really Matter? A Foster Care Perspective

Velocity August 23, 2024 No Comments

In 2003 the Government of the day introduced a Green Paper called “Every Child Matters”, an aspirational commitment to seek ways to improve the life chances of the most vulnerable…

Does Passion Still Belong in Social Work and Foster Care?

Velocity August 23, 2024 No Comments

For the purpose of this blog the most relevant dictionary definition of the word passion is “any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling”. To be passionate about the work that…

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