Have you got time to care?
People can find out about fostering and have a fun filled family day out at a special event in Henley later this month.
Warwickshire County Council’s Fostering Team will be joining in with the celebrations at Johnsons Travel’s centenary fun day at the Liveridge Hill depot on Sunday 20 September. Members of the team will be on hand all day with lots of friendly, informal advice for would be carers.
Foster carers in Warwickshire currently provide homes for around 500 children but the county’s Fostering Service wants to spread the word about what a rewarding career this can be and get more people involved with service.
The team is particularly keen to hear from people who can look after teenagers, siblings, disabled children, asylum seeking young people and dual heritage children.
There are a number of different types of foster care, depending on the needs of children. They include short-term placements that require a commitment of one weekend a month to others that last for many years. As a result, a wide range of different people are needed to perform this vital role.
Kelly Furness from Warwickshire’s Fostering Service, said: “We are looking for carers who are single or couples, with or without children, retired, unemployed or working, so we can find the best match for every child. What matters most is that carers have time, space, commitment, patience, a caring nature and skills to work with children and their families.”
Full training and support is given to carers, who are matched to one of six different schemes, depending on what suits them best. Carers are paid an allowance that reflects the real cost of looking after a child.
If you are interested to find out more but won’t be attending the event please contact the team on FREEPHONE 0800 408 1556 or visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fostering