Fostering
Pitstop Project: Be part of a winning team
What is the Pitstop Project?
The Pitstop Project is a short-term fostering service for young people, aged between 7 and 11, who have complex difficulties in terms of challenging and difficult behaviour, and need to be cared for away from their own families.
These young people need special intensive care and support on a 'one to one' basis.
You will be part of a multi-disciplinary team, which includes a clinical psychologist, and together you will help to shape the child's development through a variety of learning and behavioural models.
How does the Pitstop Project work?
The Pitstop Project is a specialised form of foster care, known as Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care. It is based on Social Learning Theory, and was developed in Oregon, USA.
The model is made up of different elements including:
- Intensive support and training for foster carers
- A programme of support for the child
- Liaison with schools by the Education Worker; and
- Family therapy with the child's original family
What kind of people are we looking for?
As a Pitstop Project carer you must be:
- Flexible, calm, positive, patient and resilient
- Willing to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team
- Able to fully commit to a child for between 9 to 12 months; and
- Committed to working with both the child and their family
We welcome applications from couples, and also single households (as long as you have access to a strong support network); in either case you must be contactable and available to the child at all times. If employed your work arrangement must be flexible, so that you are able to provide care outside of school hours and can respond to any need during the day.
It is also preferable for you to have previous experience of parenting a child or working with children and young people.
Do you get paid?
Yes. As well as receiving a standard fostering allowance to provide the child with food, clothing and other essentials, you will also be paid a salary in recognition of the work you are doing with the child and the team.
How can you get more information?
The best way to get more information is to call us for an informal chat about the project. This initial conversation will help you to decide if this project is something that you would like to get involved in and will help us to assess if you are suitable.
However, if you don't want to call us just yet a leaflet has been produced which has more detailed information about the Pitstop Project. This includes information about how the project works, the type of people we are looking for, the children who need placements and the application process.
You can download a copy of this leaflet from the bottom of this web page.
What to do next
If you want more information or are already interested in becoming a Pitstop Project carer, the first step in the application process is to have an informal chat with us. So please call us on 020 8227 5802 or 020 8227 5822.
Pitstop Project: Be part of a winning team - Word 
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Pitstop Project: Be part of a winning team - PDF 
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