Last year, the fostering team at the City of Wolverhampton Council saw an increase in people interested in fostering during the coronavirus pandemic. More people than ever contacted Fostering for Wolverhampton to find out how they could help change a child’s life and what the application process involves.
Its next online events will be on Saturday (16 January) at noon and Friday 29 January at 1pm, and will offer an opportunity to find out more about this rewarding career, including the support and financial benefits on offer, and speak directly to existing foster carers.
For more information, please visit Fostering for Wolverhampton. Meetings will be held via Microsoft Teams Meetings.
Foster families are helping give hundreds of children in Wolverhampton the best possible start in life by offering them a supportive environment in a loving home. But more foster carers are urgently needed as there are currently dozens of children waiting for a home, and the Fostering for Wolverhampton team are keen to hear from individuals and couples who want to make a difference to a local child.
Foster carers can be single, 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 experienced foster carers who are there to help and guide them and carers receive a regular, tax exempt fee and allowance to cover the cost of bringing up the child. The allowance starts from £383 to £440 per week depending on the child’s age.
Councillor John Reynolds, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “We all want to see children and young people get the best possible start in life, so that they can realise their dreams and fulfil their potential. That’s exactly what being a foster carer for Wolverhampton is all about.
“In these challenging times, it has been pleasing to see an increasing number of people come forward to express an interest in Fostering for Wolverhampton.
“With currently well over 200 fostering households, we are very lucky to have so many dedicated foster carers here in our city, but we have more youngsters 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. We'd love to hear from people who have both a spare room and of course love in their heart to help local children by fostering.”
For further information, please visit Fostering for Wolverhampton, Facebook or call 01902 551133.
