Rutland County Council is encouraging people to learn more about becoming a foster carer during this year’s national Foster Care Fortnight (15 to 28 May).
Foster Care Fortnight is the UK’s biggest foster care awareness-raising campaign. Organised by national charity The Fostering Network, the campaign helps local fostering services to highlight the need for foster carers in their area.
Rutland currently has 10 fostering households offering care and support to around 25 children and young people. Nationwide, almost 40,000 children in England are placed with foster carers. Many of these children will go back to their families after a while. In some cases, this may take days or weeks. Sometimes, it can take much longer.
“We’re looking for more foster carers who can help us provide a safe and caring environment for children who aren’t able to live with their families. There is no ‘typical’ foster carer – the fostering community is diverse, just like the children we care for. Most adults over the age of 21 can be a foster carer but you must be able to give the time to care for a child or young person.
“We don’t need all our carers to look after children for many years. We also need carers who can provide short-term care or emergency care. Fostering can be incredibly awarding so please contact us to find out more and be part of transforming a child’s life.”
Dawn Godfrey, Strategic Director for Children and Families
For more information about fostering in Rutland, please visit our Fostering page.
Alternatively, if you’d like to talk to the Rutland Foster Care Team you can email: fostering@rutland.gov.uk or call: 01572 720 942.
“There are so many different types of foster care. You can have a huge impact on a child’s life by giving them the care they need, when they need it. We hope lots of people will get in touch with us to find out more.”
Laila Oliver, Fostering and Adoption Team Manager
Rutland County Council is seeking foster carers for children aged 0 to 18, and offers its carers professional training, constant guidance and financial support over and above the government’s recommended fostering allowances.
The Council takes a personalised approach when providing support for both carers and children, recognising that everyone is different. This is made possible thanks to the authority’s size and the dedication of its Fostering Team.
Local foster carers work alongside a professional network supporting the children and young people they are looking after, helping them to achieve the best outcomes possible. The type of foster care provided depends on the needs of children and young people.