Wiltshire residents urged to think about becoming foster carers
The council need more
People in Wiltshire are being urged to think about a change in career and become a foster carer.
Wiltshire Council are asking “empty nesters” and those wanting to try a new job to consider fostering and help provide homes for children and young people coming into care in the county.
There are different fostering schemes available with payments ranging from £357 to £663 a week, depending on people’s skills and experience.
Ana and Joe have been Wiltshire Council foster carers for one year, currently looking after siblings aged 12 and 14:
“There is a misconception that it’s basically older people who have had their own kids who foster. People should look at it as option in their twenties or thirties. It doesn’t have to be after everything else. Joe is a massive advocate for fostering and he absolutely loves the training. They give loads of training and the support has been incredible. Our social worker is phenomenal there isn’t any point we haven’t felt supported.
“I would say people have different levels of understanding of what it means. I think people appreciate it’s very rewarding because you get to help children. The reality is none of these kids are bad kids, none of them, they just need the opportunity. If you are someone who can give them the opportunity, you should do it.”
Wiltshire Council has a drive to recruit additional carers to help meet the need in the county.
Since the start of the campaign in April 2020, 61 additional fostering households have been recruited, but more are needed.
Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services said:
“We are grateful to the many foster carers who provide a warm home and stable influence in our young people’s lives. Many children and young people have gone through trauma and difficulties and we are very fortunate we can offer them a safe place to stay where they can heal and learn to trust again.
“We are so pleased to have new foster carers join us. We are still seeing children and young people come into care and we continue to need more carers. By fostering with Wiltshire Council people can provide a home that is local for that young person and which meets their needs.
“We know there will be people out there thinking they want to know more and I would encourage them to join our information session or give us a call, so we can explain everything needed to help them decide if fostering is right for them."
Foster carers need to be over 21 years of age, have a spare bedroom, time to care for a child and a willingness to care for young people who have experienced trauma and loss.
For those wanting to find out more or just ask questions there will be an online information evening on 6th October from 6pm on Teams.
More information can be found on the fostering Wiltshire website.