Posted on Wednesday 13th July 2022
Andrea Johnson from Staffordshire County Council’s Fostering Service, with foster carers James Fitzmaurice and John Dayus
As part of its summer campaign, Staffordshire County Council’s fostering bus is taking to the road to encourage more foster families to come forward.
‘Reggie,’ the fostering service’s promotional bus, will be making its way across the county, giving people the chance to meet the team and talk to existing foster carers about the work they do.
The summer tour kicks off on Thursday 14 July in Rugeley, with visits planned across the county.
The campaign hopes to recruit new families to a range of roles including short term fostering, short breaks for families of children with disabilities, and long-term fostering until the child is able to move out and live independently. There are also opportunities to help young people move from residential care into a fostering family and there’s a particular need for carers of teenagers and sibling groups.
Mark Sutton, Cabinet Member responsible for children at Staffordshire County Council said:
“Jumping onboard the fostering bus is a great way of finding out what’s involved and we’re coming to a town near you.
“Whilst we already have many brilliant foster carers in Staffordshire, the reality is we always need more people to open their homes and their hearts to fostering. We’re hoping our summer campaign will inspire more people to join our fostering family
“Fostering is a great thing to do. People from all backgrounds and all walks of life can foster. You must have a spare bedroom but no previous experience is necessary as we will train you up. So, if you have great communication skills, a sense of humour and care about making a difference to local children, fostering might be just up your street.
“In return, we’ll provide you with an unrivalled package of support and training and a competitive fostering allowance. If it sounds like it’s for you, come along and have a chat with us.”
There are currently around 400 fostering households in Staffordshire and with the number of children needing a loving home on the increase, more families are needed. The service hopes to recruit 60 more families this year.
In July, the bus will be visiting:
- 14 July – Rugeley Market Square
- 16 July – Alrewas Show
- 20 July – Burton Coopers Square Shopping Centre (Inside)
- 21 July – Staffordshire Place 1 Car Park Staffordshire County Council
- 22 July – Newcastle Iron Market Square
- 27 July – Cannock Market Square
- 30 July - Leek Show
People can find out more about fostering at www.fosterforstaffordshire.co.uk and more information about where the bus will be over the next few months, is available at https://bit.ly/3sinbJM