Urgent appeal for foster carers

COULD you foster?...Big Al from 96.2 The Revolution and Yvonne Thatcher from Oldham Fostering Service launch the campaign

COULD you provide a safe and secure home for a child in need? If the answer is “yes”, Oldham Fostering Service wants to hear from you.

A radio campaign to encourage more people to consider becoming foster carers has launched on Oldham radio station 96.2 The Revolution.

The Could You Foster? campaign will run for four weeks in a bid to recruit people willing to foster children on a short-term basis, including brothers and sisters who need to stay together, and children from ethnic minorities.

The majority of children who need short-term care range from new-borns to ten-year-old boys and girls.

Councillor Kay Knox, Cabinet member for children, young people and families, said: “The children in foster care are very much individuals and that’s why we need foster carers from all walks of life. You don’t need to have special qualifications or have experience. As long as you are over 21, have a spare bedroom and enjoy working with children, we would love to hear from you.”

Oldham Council Fostering Service currently has 137 fostering families, providing placements for 233 children.

The service provides emergency and short-term placements, long-term placements and short breaks for children and young people with special needs and disabilities.

The Fostering Network estimates that there is a shortage of 1,700 foster carers in the North-West and a further 10,000 foster carers are needed across the UK.

Key qualities include being a great listener, having a good sense of humour, being optimistic and showing resilience.

All foster carers are given full training and support, and they receive payments and allowances up to £365 per week (dependent on skills and experience).

Michael Jameson, assistant executive director (Director of Children’s Services) said: “Foster carers have a vital role to play in giving children in foster care the best possible start in life. Here in Oldham we have many wonderful foster carers, but sadly we always need more. I would urge anyone thinking about becoming a carer to contact our fostering team. You really will make a difference to a child’s life.”

For more information or to apply, call 0161-770 6600 or email fostering@oldham.gov.uk