Council plea for foster parents

More people are being urged to come forward as foster carers in Oldham and help change the life of 18 young people for the better.

National Foster Care Fortnight starts today and Oldham Council aims to raise awareness and encourage more people to come forward as carers by breaking down the myths that surround fostering.

Oldham Fostering Service has 18 children waiting for a long-term foster carer. Many of the children are older, aged from 10 to 17 years old.

Michael Jameson, Oldham Council’s Director of Children’s Services, said: “Choosing to foster a child until they reach adulthood is a big commitment, but one which will bring so much reward.

“Watching a child develop, sharing their ups and downs and celebrating their achievements makes it all worthwhile. You really will make a difference to a child’s life.”

Councillor Kay Knox, Oldham Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families, added: “Many people unnecessarily rule themselves out of fostering because they think they are unsuitable.

“It isn’t about who you are; it is about what you can offer a child. If you are unsure about whether or not you could foster why not give us a ring?”

The service says applications are welcome from a wide range of people regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnic background, religious beliefs, disability or marital status. Carers have no special qualifications, but have to be over 21, have a spare bedroom and enjoy working with children.

The service is particularly keen to recruit people to look after children and young people on a long-term basis, including older children, brothers and sisters who need to stay together, and children from ethnic minorities.

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

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