Thursday, May 23, 2024

National Fostering Fortnight: Make a Difference with Rutland Foster Care

 

National Fostering Fortnight: Make a Difference with Rutland Foster Care


National Fostering Fortnight is a time to celebrate the amazing work foster carers do. Rutland County Council's Fostering Service, Families Supporting Families, is looking for people like you to become a foster carer and make a real difference in a child's life.

What is foster care?

Foster care provides a safe and loving home for children who can't live with their birth parents. The council needs foster carers for children of all ages (0-18) who may need care for a short time, a few months, or even longer. There are many different types of foster care, including:

  • Short-term and long-term care
  • Emergency care
  • Special care for children with disabilities
  • Respite care to give parents a break
  • Remand care for young offenders
  • Temporary accommodation for young people preparing for independence
  • Staying put options to help young people stay with their current carers

Who can be a foster carer?

Rutland County Council welcomes foster carers from all walks of life. They don't look for a specific income, marital status, religion, ethnicity, housing situation, or employment status. You can be single, married, part of a same-sex couple, with or without children, a homeowner or renter, employed or on benefits, and even living with a disability.

What qualities are they looking for?

  • Patience, understanding, and a good sense of humor
  • Enjoy spending time with children and young people
  • Open to guidance and support
  • Flexible but able to set boundaries
  • Time to commit to a child
  • Ability to handle challenging situations

Becoming a foster carer:

The approval process typically takes 6-9 months and involves:

  • Initial enquiry
  • Home visit
  • Preparation training
  • Application and background checks, including references and a criminal record check
  • Fostering assessment
  • Approval panel

What the council provides:

Rutland County Council offers extensive support to its foster carers, including:

  • Professional training
  • Funding to cover expenses and activities
  • Regular support from a social worker
  • Opportunities to develop new skills
  • Support groups and networking with other carers
  • Free access to The Fostering Network

Could you be a foster carer?

If you have the following qualities, Rutland County Council would love to hear from you:

  • Good communication and listening skills
  • Ability to promote a healthy, fun, and educational environment
  • Energy and commitment to children
  • Willingness to learn new skills
  • Ability to work with other professionals

Take the next step:

National Fostering Fortnight is a chance to be a hero. Become a Rutland foster carer and make a lasting impact on a child's life.