Posted on Tuesday 17th January 2012
In a campaign to recruit more fostering families in Newcastle, Staffordshire County Council’s Fostering teams will be holding two Fostering Roadshows at the Roebuck Centre in the town centre on Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 25 January.
Experienced Fostering and Adoption Social Worker Terry McDermott and Senior Family Support Worker Jane Hewitt will be at the information stand from 10am to 3pm on both days. Anyone who’s interested in doing something amazing and making a difference this new year can come along and find out about the outstanding practical and financial support offered when fostering with the county council.
Recent figures from the Fostering Network show at least 8,750 new families are needed across the UK. In Staffordshire, and nationally, the number of children in care who need foster homes has risen for five years in a row, and is continuing to rise. Staffordshire needs 65 new foster carers over the next three years, as well as replacing the current foster carers who are due to retire. More foster carers are needed across Newcastle than in any other part of the county.
County councillor Mike Lawrence, cabinet member for children’s wellbeing, said: “While we are in a better position than other counties, it is crucial we recruit the right people to foster. The decision to foster or adopt is life-changing, both for the foster carer and the child.
“Foster carers in Staffordshire can benefit from an unrivalled package of support and training provided by our outstanding fostering service, including comprehensive training and support, a competitive fee for you as the carer, and a weekly allowance for the child. We are hoping that the campaign and roadshows will help to raise awareness of fostering and encourage families to consider fostering or simply come along to find out more.”
Anyone interested in fostering can visit www.care4child.org for help and advice and real life success stories, or contact the fostering specialists on Freephone 0800 169 2061. |for help and advice and real life success stories, or contact the fostering specialists on Freephone 0800 169 2061.
Another information session is being held on Thursday 26 January, starting at 7pm at Newcastle Fire Station for anyone who has any questions. Just come along on the night to meet foster carers and social workers and learn more about fostering in Staffordshire.
January, starting at 7pm at Newcastle Fire Station for anyone who has any questions. Just come along on the night to meet foster carers and social workers and learn more about fostering in Staffordshire.