Council plea for more foster carers

Date article online: 15/05/2008

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.

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.