Foster Care Fortnight
Start Date: 13/05/2019
End Date: 26/05/2019
“I couldn’t give you a profile of a ‘typical’ foster carer,” says Leanne Andrews, a Fostering Social Worker, when we sat down for a chat ahead of Foster Care Fortnight.
“It sounds cliché, but they come from all walks of life. We assess applicants regardless of whether you own your own home, are unemployed or retired, have children or not, or you’re in a relationship. We continue to provide ongoing support and training to foster carers once they are approved."
Leanne adds: “There are so many reasons why a child could come into foster care and they can stay for one night, to several months or, in some cases, may remain permanently in foster care throughout their childhood. Young people can remain cared for once they are 16+ as well."
But regardless of the reason, or length of time in care, the priority is to provide children with a sense of security and stability and help each child feel safe.
“That’s the most important thing, it can be unsettling and upsetting for children to come into a care environment. We and our foster carers have empathy for each and every one, and we work hard to make sure the children we look after are happy and safe.”
If you’d like to enquire about becoming a foster carer, or wonder why people chose to foster, you can check out our website, where you'll also find contact details for the fostering team.
What's it like to foster for us?
Hear what Penny, who fostered for the council for seven years,had to say in her inspiring and honest video. She charts the highs and the lows, but ultimately the rewarding nature of the job and the support she received while she was a foster carer. Thanks Penny! Click on her picture below and the Facebook video will appear...
