Fostering is rarely the work of one person. Behind every thriving foster family sits a dedicated team, quietly offering guidance, reassurance, and support at every turn. 💙
This week, we are shining a light on one of those special people. Meet Shannon Francis, our incredible Senior Supervising Social Worker, who recently celebrated four wonderful years with Lighthouse Fostering. As part of our 'This is Fostering… behind the scenes' series, we want to celebrate the staff who make such a profound difference to our community.
In this post, we will share Shannon's story, her unique journey into social work, and the heartfelt feedback that shows exactly why she is so valued.
A Wealth of Experience
Shannon has been a qualified social worker since 2019, and she brings a genuine depth of knowledge to everything she does.
Before joining us, she gained valuable experience working within a local authority children in care team. That background gave her a strong understanding of the wider care system and the many professionals who work together to support looked-after children.
However, Shannon's expertise reaches far beyond her professional training.
A Personal Understanding of Fostering
What truly sets Shannon apart is her own lived experience. She grew up in a fostering household, which gives her a rare and deeply personal insight into the journey.
This means she understands fostering from every angle, including:
- The perspective of foster carers, and the dedication their role demands
- The experiences of looked-after children, and what helps them feel safe
- The reality for birth children, whose lives are also shaped by fostering
Few professionals can offer this kind of understanding. Shannon knows the rhythms of a fostering home because she has lived them. That perspective shapes the warm, thoughtful support she provides our families every single day.
"Side by Side"
How does Shannon describe her approach to the role? In her own words, she captures it perfectly:
"Side by side (with my carers)."
Those few words say everything. Shannon does not simply manage from a distance. She stands alongside her carers, sharing in the challenges and celebrating the victories. Her passion ensures every family feels genuinely understood and supported.
What Our Carers Say
You do not just have to take our word for it. One of our foster carers recently shared this lovely feedback:
"I just want to acknowledge how amazing Shannon is (which of course we all know). But to offer to keep her work phone on after hours yesterday if I needed to talk, made me feel super supported and meant a LOT to me."
This small but meaningful gesture says so much about Shannon and about the culture we cherish at Lighthouse Fostering. Going the extra mile is simply part of who she is.
Why Behind-the-Scenes Support Matters
Could foster carers do their vital work without a strong team behind them? They could, but it would be far harder, and far lonelier.
Dedicated professionals like Shannon are the quiet foundation of successful fostering. They offer the reassurance that steadies a difficult day. They share the knowledge that builds confidence. Most importantly, they remind carers that they are never alone.
This is the heart of what 'This is Fostering' truly means. It is not only the moments in the home, but also the people working tirelessly behind the scenes to support every family.
Thank You, Shannon
Four years of compassion, commitment, and care deserve a heartfelt celebration. We are so lucky to have Shannon on our team.
Thank you, Shannon, for being there for our fostering community every step of the way. Your dedication makes a genuine difference to carers, to children, and to everyone fortunate enough to work alongside you. 💛