Do you have time to show a child in need that you care?
This Foster Care Fortnight (May 16-29), Knowsley Council’s fostering service are appealing to local people who think they have what it takes to make a difference to a local child’s life.
If you love children and young people, have plenty of time, care and patience to offer, as well as room in your home, fostering could be right for you.
There really is no such thing as a ‘typical carer’, and there are no ‘rules’ about who can and can’t foster. You don’t have to be married, wealthy, or own your own home. Foster carers can be any sexuality, race or religion. Full training and support is provided to foster carers, and you will be paid for the care you provide. As a foster carer for Knowsley you have the option to progress, working towards different ‘Skills Levels’, for which an additional payment, similar to a wage, will be paid.
In fact, being a foster carer is one of the most rewarding jobs you could ever do.
Knowsley’s Fostering Service will be out and about in the borough during Foster Care Fortnight talking to you about what fostering is and whether it could be right for you and your family.
You will find them on the following days:
Monday, 16 May at Huyton One Stop Shop, 12-1.30pm
Tuesday, 17 May at the River Alt Centre, Woolfall Heath Ave, Huyton, 12-1pm
Tuesday, 17 May at Buckingham Bingo, Huyton, from 6-7pm
Wednesday, 18 May in Huyton Village 12-2pm
Thursday, 19 May in Halewood One Stop Shop from 12-1.30pm
Monday, 23 May at Kirkby One Stop Shop, from 12-1.30pm
Wednesday, 25 May at The River Alt Resource Centre, Woolfall Heath Avenue, Huyton, from 6-7pm
Friday, 27 May in Kirkby town centre 12-2pm
Anyone who wants to find out more about fostering is also welcome to attend a breakfast event for tea and toast at The Venue, Huyton, on Friday, 20 May and Friday 26 May between 10.30 to 12noon.
Alternatively, you can call the team at anytime on 0151 443 3958, see more information on fostering on the council’s website, or ‘like’ the Foster for Knowsley Facebook page.
What is fostering?
Fostering involves looking after a child or young person in your own home at a time when they’re unable to live with their own families. Unlike adoption, fostering is a temporary situation for many children. Foster carers can choose whether to offer short or longer term care, and will have a say in the age of child/children they care for. At the moment there is a particular need for foster carers who are willing to care for children aged between 11-18, and sibling groups.
Cllr Gary See, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “Our foster carers do a fantastic job and we cannot underestimate how important they are in the lives of the young people they care for.
“With the right amount of care and time, the dedication of a foster carer can turn around the lives of children who have had a difficult start in life, to help them fulfill their potential and lead happy, successful lives. It is a job that we could not do without our wonderful foster carers.
“If you have ever considered fostering then I would urge you to get in contact with us and take the next steps during Foster Care Fortnight.”
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