Children's services
Make a difference for a local child by fostering
Published on
People in Walsall are being encouraged to give local children the best possible start in life by becoming foster carers.
People in Walsall are being encouraged to give local children the best possible start in life by becoming foster carers.
As part of a foster carer recruitment campaign, Walsall Council’s Fostering team is offering advice and guidance to individuals and couples who are thinking of fostering. One way in which they are raising awareness of the need for foster carers is by displaying information on council-owned vehicles in the hope that this will encourage potential families to find out more.
“ We are fortunate in the borough to have so many dedicated foster carers who combine a desire to help children with a commitment to providing the best possible care, but we have more young people who are looking for a permanent foster home.
Fostering can truly be a life changing experience, both for foster carers and the young person they care for, and we'd love to hear from people would love to help local children by fostering. “
Foster carers can be sole carers, married or in a relationship - and they won't be on their own as help and support is available 24 hours a day. They will receive "buddy support" from an experienced foster carers who are there to befriend and guide them through the system if they want it.
A range of training and workshops are offered and foster carers also receive a regular, tax exempt allowance to cover the cost of bringing up the child along with a competitive fee and allowance structure.
Supervising social workers provide additional support for the first few weeks of a fostering arrangement and then every month thereafter and Foster carers can get help through a peer support network and though the council’s exceptional ‘Mockingbird’ programme.
Fostering a child can be anything from a few days to a number of years.
If you are considering becoming a foster carer or just want to find out more, our Fostering team is on hand to answer any questions you may have.
Arrangements can also be made for potential carers to speak to current foster carers to hear about their experience and how they are making a difference.
Call Freephone on: 0800 923 3706
Email: fosteringinwalsall@walsall.gov.uk
Visit the Fostering in Walsall website
