Short film shines a spotlight on the importance of foster carers
Foster carers mean everything to the children and young people they look after. Could fostering be for you?
Rutland County Council is supporting the launch of a new short film that aims to highlight the vital role that foster carers play in providing homes for children and young people.
The ‘Everything' fostering film is a collaboration between multiple local councils across England and features foster children sharing their thoughts, feelings and experiences.
Rutland County Council is actively recruiting new foster carers as there is an urgent need for more local carers, who can look after Rutland children.
The Council is currently caring for several children who are either waiting for foster carers or being cared for in other areas, due to a need for more local placements. This can be difficult for children coming into care, as they need to leave their family home, school environment and friends if suitable care can’t be provided in the County.
“For us to achieve the best outcomes and life chances for children in our care, we urgently need more foster carers in Rutland. We understand the journey to becoming a foster carer can be a long one, with lots of things to consider. That’s why we have a dedicated Fostering Service that’s committed to supporting potential foster carers on that journey.
“We want to talk to people about what it’s like to be a foster carer and explain the help that you get from us throughout – whether that’s training, advice or financial assistance to cover care and living costs. The new Everything fostering film is a chance to hear from foster children about what their foster carers mean to them and the difference this care has made to their lives.”
Councillor Tim Smith, Cabinet Member for Children and Families
Foster carers can come from all backgrounds and walks of life. You don’t need to have a certain income or live in a big house. The most important thing is that you’re aged over 21, can be flexible with your time and are able to look after a child.
Foster carers can be single, married, divorced or living together. They can be from any religious or ethnic background, any sexuality, a homeowner or living in rented accommodation.
Foster care itself can also take many forms. It can be full time and long term, but can also be overnight, one weekend a month, or short term. Lots of training, support and guidance is available for Rutland foster carers, as well as financial assistance to help with living costs.
The process to becoming a foster carer usually takes around six months and the Rutland Foster Care Team are happy to have a no-obligation, informal chat with anyone who may be interested.
For more information about fostering and the journey to becoming a foster carer, please visit our Fostering page.
You can get in touch with Rutland Foster Care by calling: 01572 720 942 or emailing: fostering@rutland.gov.uk