Have you got time to care?
Would-be foster carers can find out what it takes to foster at a drop-in advice session in Rugby next week.
The county council’s fostering service will be holding a coffee morning at the Rugby office of Warwickshire CAVA in North Street, and members of the team will be on hand with advice and information for enquirers.
Anyone interested in finding out more is invited to drop in for coffee and an informal chat between 10am to 12pm on Monday 12 April.
In Warwickshire, foster carers currently provide homes for around 500 children. The county’s fostering service wants to spread the word about what a rewarding career this can be and get more people involved with the service.
Depending on the needs of children, foster care placements can range from just one weekend a month to others that last for many years. As a result, many people across Warwickshire have the potential to perform this worthwhile and vital role.
Kelly Furness from Warwickshire’s Fostering Service said: “To become a carer what matters most is time, space, commitment, patience, a caring nature and skills to work with children and their families.
“Fostering is a valuable role and can be a very rewarding for carers and their families. My colleagues and I are looking forward to meeting people at the event to tell them more about how they can get involved.
“We are looking to recruit carers who are single or couples; with or without children, retired, unemployed or working, so we can find the best match. We are especially keen to speak to anyone who can look after teenagers or are able to provide permanent placements for young people.”
Warwickshire County Councillor Izzi Seccombe, Portfolio Holder for Children Young People and Families added: “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 join them for coffee next week.”
Full training and support is given to carers, who are matched to one of the 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 but cannot attend event please contact the team on FREEPHONE 0800 4081556 or visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fostering.