People who want to find out more about fostering for Wolverhampton are being invited to get in touch or take part in an online information event this Foster Care Fortnight (9-22 May).
Information events will take place via Microsoft Teams on Tuesday 10 May at 6.30pm and Thursday 19 May at 6.30pm.
Each event, lasting no more than an hour, will offer an opportunity to find out more about this rewarding career, including the support and financial benefits on offer. It is also an opportunity to speak directly to existing foster carers and find out first-hand what it is like to be a foster carer.
The theme for this year’s Foster Care Fortnight is #FosteringCommunities, to celebrate the strength and resilience of fostering communities in Wolverhampton and all they do to ensure children are cared for and supported to thrive. Foster carers can be single, married or in a relationship – and they won't be on their own as help and support is available 24 hours a day.
They will receive ‘buddy support’ from experienced foster carers who are there to help and guide them and carers receive a regular, tax exempt fee and allowance to cover the cost of bringing up the child. Fees and allowances start from £383 to £440 per week depending on the child’s age.
Emma Bennett, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Executive Director of Families, said: “We all want to see children and young people get the best possible start in life, so that they can realise their dreams and fulfil their potential. That’s exactly what being a foster carer for Wolverhampton is all about.
“Fostering can truly be a life-changing experience, both for foster carers and the young person they care for and, with currently nearly 200 fantastic fostering households, we are very lucky to have so many dedicated foster carers here in our city. But we have more youngsters who are looking for a permanent foster home and so we’d love to hear from people who have both a spare room and of course love in their heart to give the most vulnerable children and young people in our city a family home.”
