Plans to boost crucial support for foster carers in pipeline
Proposals to bolster vital support for foster carers in Lancashire are to be discussed.
If given the green light, the plan would see the county council signing up to a major fostering accreditation scheme for employers.
The move is aimed at bolstering the support available for foster carers and boosting the number of in house foster carers, and is set to be considered by the county council's cabinet at its meeting on December 5.
Called 'Fostering Friendly,' the national scheme is run by the Fostering Network, a major charity that supports organisations and employers nationwide.
It aims to establish more lasting homes and positive outcomes for children in Lancashire by helping employers to support and recognise the roles of their employees who foster.
Among the benefits for foster carers are that their employers adopt a 'Fostering Friendly' Human Resources policy for all foster carers that work for them, including flexible working for foster carers, to support attendance at mandatory training linked to the role of a foster carer, for settling a new child into their home, and for attending meetings in relation to the child they are caring for.
The benefits of fostering were recently revealed by some of the foster carers in Lancashire.
Foster carer Fiona said: "My favourite moments are seeing all of my foster son's achievements and breakthroughs, seeing him gain confidence and learning to relax within our family.
"To anyone wanting to take part in the fostering journey, not only are you helping to shape a young person's life, but you also do it with a great network of support from the social workers and teams and other carers.
"I love seeing the difference that we make with our child and seeing him smile every day."
Similarly, another foster carer, Andy, said: "One of my best fostering moments, and there have been many, was when our younger foster son started showing emotions and we realised he had become attached to us.
"I would categorically encourage people to foster. It gives these children a chance in life. It is the most rewarding thing you will ever do.
"My favourite part of fostering is watching my two foster sons thrive and become an integral part of our family."
County Councillor Cosima Towneley, Lancashire County Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Families said: "Fostering a child, or young person, changes their life. What an inspiration our foster families are, bringing stability, safety, opportunity and joy to the children welcomed into their family group.
"The fostering moments shared by many of our carers are full of hope, empathy and affection and you can understand how children thrive in their care.
"We are very pleased as a council to be working towards 'Fostering Friendly' accreditation, to provide more support and help for those who are able to open their homes to a Lancashire child or young person.
"We would like to emphasise that if you are interested in finding out a bit more about this positive, challenging, life enhancing opportunity you can talk to our teams or ring the number below.
"In the meantime, thank you to all our outstanding and dedicated foster families for helping to change the lives of children in Lancashire."
Notes to editors
No formal experience or qualifications are needed to be a foster carer, all you need is a spare room available or plans to have one soon, and a desire to make a difference to a local child's life.
To be considered as a foster carer, you need to be over 21, and living in or close to Lancashire. We welcome applications from all parts of our diverse Lancashire community. Whatever your race, gender, if you are LGBTQ+, faith, age, living arrangements and employment status – we want to hear from you.
If you are interested in finding out more about fostering, visit Fostering for Lancashire - Lancashire County Council