Council plea for more foster carers
15 May 2008
At least 80 extra foster carers are needed across the
Rochdale borough to ensure vulnerable children can be placed in
homes that are suitable for their needs.
As part of national
foster care fortnight (12 - 25 May 2008), the council is
highlighting the shortage facing many parts of the UK and actively
encouraging anyone who has thought about fostering to find out
more.
Cabinet member for children, schools and families, Councillor
Irene Davidson, said: “When we say every child matters, we really
mean it. That’s why we’re encouraging anyone who’s ever thought
about fostering to come forward. It’s well known that children and
young people have far greater life chances if they’re brought up in
the love and security of a family home. Foster carers really make a
difference to a child’s life. It can be a challenge but is also
highly rewarding. If you think fostering might be for you, please
get in touch.”
There are 180 children living with foster families in the
borough at the moment but homes are needed for many more. Every
child is different and the council needs a good cross section of
foster carers from different backgrounds and cultures to ensure
that it matches the child’s needs carefully with where they are
placed.
Fancy being a foster carer?
Virtually anybody can become a foster carer, so don’t be put off
if you think you are too old, are single, have a disability, are
unemployed or because of your sexual orientation. Foster carers are
paid a generous weekly allowance and this increases as carers
receive training to develop their skills. All foster carers are
given the opportunity to train to NVQ level 3 in Caring for
Children and Young People.
Foster carers also receive support and advice from Rochdale
Borough Council’s Fostering Team and have a named worker who acts
as link worker to them and the service. The children placed with
carers have their own named social worker who supports the child
and carer through the placement.
Anyone can apply and there are many different ways to become
involved - it’s even possible to foster on a part time basis.
To find out more, use the contact details shown on this
page.