Bereaved Family Guidance

Stage 1 – Trauma‑Informed Rewrite (numbered list in place of bullets)

1. The team member who first answers the foster family’s call will:
   1a. Offer heartfelt condolences and warmly reassure the family that we are here to support them during this difficult time.
   1b. Gently ask whether there is anything they need right now. If they respond that they do not need anything, kindly remind them that they can reach out to us for help at any time.
   1c. Record the details of the call in Base as thoroughly as possible so the family does not have to repeat information.
   1d. Notify the Supervising Social Worker (SSW), Team Manager and Registered Manager by email, marking it High Importance and using a clear subject line that includes URGENT.
2. If the SSW did not take the original call, they will telephone the family on the same day to repeat the assurances outlined above.
3. The SSW will ask the family whether they would like them to notify the school of any children placed.
4. The SSW will notify the Local Authority Social Worker (LASW) for any children placed and request a pause in direct communication until after the funeral; during this period, the SSW will act as the first point of contact.
5. If the SSW is unavailable or not working, the Team Manager will telephone the family to repeat the initial support steps.
6. Notify RAPT and Support Services so that unnecessary contact is reduced.
7. The Registered Manager will notify the Senior Management Team.

Checklist of things to consider #

8. Does the foster family need:
   8a. Practical assistance (for example, help with school runs or shopping)?
   8b. Meetings to be moved or delayed?
   8c. Training to be cancelled?
   8d. Practical help with recordings or other fostering paperwork?
   8e. The children to remain in the household, or is respite required?
   8f. If the children remain in the household, do they need childcare to:
     8f(i). Organise a funeral?
     8f(ii). Handle other formalities or paperwork?
     8f(iii). Visit the deceased?
   8g. Support to help the children manage any grief, confusion, or shock?
9. On the day of the funeral:
   9a. Does the family need childcare if the children are not attending the funeral?
   9b. Do the children need a supportive adult if they are attending the funeral?
   9c. Would the family appreciate childcare after the funeral for a few hours so they can have some time to themselves?
10. If the deceased was a foster parent, will Positive Aspirations send a floral tribute, or is the family requesting contributions to a chosen charity?
11. In the months following the funeral:
    11a. Supervisions (family/SSW and SSW/Team Manager) should include enquiries about the household’s wellbeing and adjustment.
    11b. Are additional calls or home visits needed?
    11c. Is there anything else that Positive Aspirations can do to support the family?