People interested in becoming foster carers can find out more about this vital role at a special Fostering Friday event taking place today (4 September, 2015). Members of the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Fostering for Wolverhampton team, along with foster care champions, will be at Waitrose supermarket, Wolverhampton from 9.30am until 2.30pm for an informal chat with anyone considering becoming a foster carer.
Foster families are helping to give scores of children in Wolverhampton the best possible future by offering them a supportive environment in a loving home.
But more foster carers are urgently needed as there are dozens of children waiting for a home, and the Fostering for Wolverhampton team are keen to hear from individuals and couples who want to make a difference to a local child.
Councillor Val Gibson, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “We are very lucky to have so many dedicated foster carers who combine a desire to help children with a commitment to providing the best possible care, but we have more youngsters who are looking for a permanent foster home.
“Fostering can truly be a life-changing experience, both for foster carers and the young person they care for. We'd love to hear from people who have both a spare room and of course love in their heart to help local children by fostering.”
Foster carers can be sole carers, married or in a relationship – and they won't be on their own as help and support is available 24 hours a day. They will receive six months' “buddy support” from experienced foster carers who are there to befriend and guide them through the system.
Supervising social workers provide intensive support for the first six weeks of a placement and then every month thereafter, while foster carers can get help through a peer support network.
Placements can be anything from a few days to a number of years, and carers receive a regular, tax exempt fee and allowance to cover the cost of bringing up the child.
As well as Friday’s drop-in event, people can also find out more about becoming a foster carer by visiting www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/fostering or by calling 01902 551133.
