Have you got time to care?
Shoppers in Leamington Spa will be able to find out about fostering opportunities in Warwickshire next month as a county council service comes to town.
Warwickshire County Council’s Fostering Service will be manning an information stand at the Royal Priors Shopping Centre on Friday 2 October and 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.”
Warwickshire County Councillor Izzi Seccombe, Portfolio Holder for Children Young People and Families said: “Warwickshire County Council believes that every child has a right to family life and you can help make this possible. If you would like to know more about fostering options in Warwickshire please get in touch with the team or visit them at the Royal Priors.”
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