 The number of children needing foster care has risen by 44% during the coronavirus pandemic while the number of people looking to become foster parents plummeted by nearly half compared to the same period last year, according to the UK’s leading children’s charity.
From March 1st - April 23rd 2020, there were 2,349 referrals to Barnardo’s fostering services in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, a figure which shot up from 1,629 for the same period in 2019. Meanwhile the number of enquiries from people looking to become foster parents for the charity fell from 302 to 161 - a dramatic 47% drop. Barnardo’s says this has created a ‘state of emergency’ as children who may have experienced abuse and neglect wait for places with loving foster families. Without more potential foster carers coming forward, hundreds of children referred to Barnardo’s will not be placed with a family. The UK’s leading children’s charity believes that the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown has increased pressure on vulnerable families, with job losses, deepening poverty and worsening mental health all leading to family breakdown. Children have also been in lockdown in homes where domestic abuse and sexual abuse are taking place. These pressures will likely impact more families as the crisis continues. At the same time Barnardo’s believes that the change in circumstances experienced by many because of COVID-19 and uncertainty about the future has resulted in a drop in enquiries being made to the charity from people looking to foster. Barnardo’s is calling on people over 21, who have a spare room and the time and commitment to support a child to get in touch and consider fostering a child. Barnardo’s welcomes foster carers from all walks of life, including single people, those from the LGBTQ+ community and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds. The charity also wants to make it clear that foster carers will be supported every step of the way by Barnardo’s, and will also be eligible for financial support including carers’ allowance. To find out more about fostering with Barnardo’s, go to https://www.barnardos.org.uk/foster or call 07712402312 or 0800 0277 280. Barnardo’s Chief Executive Javed Khan said: “The Coronavirus pandemic has hit vulnerable families the hardest, with many reaching crisis point. This has created a state of emergency, as more children than ever need a safe and loving foster family, while fewer adults are coming forward as potential foster carers. “Barnardo’s has over 100 years’ experience bringing vulnerable children together with loving foster families, who provide the vital love and support children need to thrive. If you become a foster carer with Barnardo’s we will support you every step of the way with training and a dedicated social worker. You’ll also receive financial support, including a carer’s allowance. “Today, there are hundreds of children who have been referred to Barnardo’s and are waiting to be placed with a foster family. If you’re over 21, have a spare room and the time and commitment to support a child in need, please do consider getting in touch today.” ENDS Case study Nichol Garcia is 50 and has been a full-time foster carer for the past nine years. She lives in Nottingham with her teenage son and three foster children. Nichol says: “I felt I had space in my heart and life for more children, and after talking to my family and most importantly, my son, I got in touch with Barnardo’s and have not regretted it since. I’ve done so many different things in my life, but foster caring is by far the best thing I’ve ever done.” Over the past nine years, Nichol and her son have fostered 11 young people, mainly teenagers but also younger children, most of whom have stayed with them for long periods of time. “I was worried I would feel upset when the children left, as I invest so much into each child, but we keep in touch with all of them as they are a part of our family now and we sometimes meet up too. I am a part of their history and they are a part of mine.” Nichol acknowledges that fostering has its share of challenges too. She says: “Sometimes children may have had difficult experiences and need additional support such as therapy to help them make sense of what they’ve been through, and it’s important for foster carers to support them with this. I really fight for all of my foster children and young people to get them what they deserve.” Nichol believes that the constant support and ongoing training offered by Barnardo’s has enabled her to deal with any difficult periods. “My social worker from Barnardo’s is like a professional friend,” Nichol says. “I meet with her regularly, but if I ever need any advice or support, day or night, there is always someone there to give me everything I need. There is always lots of different training on offer too, and I go on several courses each year. “Before you are approved to foster, Barnardo’s does some really intense training to ensure potential foster carers are fully aware of what they may experience. They don’t just have the child’s best interests at heart, but also the foster carer’s too.” Nichol’s advice to anyone who is considering fostering is this: “If you go into foster caring for the wrong reasons, you won’t last long. It’s not always easy, but it is the most rewarding thing you can ever do. For those who already have their own children and may be worried about whether fostering is the right decision for them, in my experience, by keeping my child involved every step of the way, he loves it just as much as I do and we wouldn’t have it any other way now. “Some of my favourite times are when we all sit outside together chatting around the log burner and I feel really lucky to have them all and love seeing them so happy.” Notes to Editors Data shows the number of fostering referrals and enquiries to Barnardo’s from people looking to become foster carers from March 1 - April 23 in 2019 and 2020 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland only. About Barnardo’s Last year around 300,000 children, young people, parents and carers were supported by Barnardo’s through more than 1,000 services across the UK, such as young carers, care leavers, foster carers and adoptive parents, training and skills or parenting classes. We work to change the lives of vulnerable children in the UK and every year we help thousands of families to build a better future. But we cannot do it without you. Source: www.barnardos.org.uk  Location: Liverpool Transition, Preparation & Moving On Service (L12) Contract type: Permanent Hours: 37 (7 day rota) Salary : £26,966 - £37,414 Closing Date: 5 July 2020 Interview Date: w/c 13 July 2020 Do you want to be part of a brand new innovative residential support service for young people in Liverpool?
Can you achieve transformational change for looked after young people who have a range of complex needs? If you're passionate about the children in your care and can show understanding, tenacity and consistency of care – this may be the opportunity for you! History of Service Barnardo's Transition, Preparation and Moving-On Service is a new service commissioned by Liverpool City Council to deliver residential support services in line with statutory requirements within a therapeutic approach. The service consists of two homes with 4 and 5 beds respectively. Objectives of Service The aim of the service is to provide a nurturing environment within two high quality homes. The homes will meet the needs of children and young people who have experienced trauma, neglect, rejection and whose basic needs have not been met. The homes will provide a truly therapeutic environment that can meet the needs of young people who require support to manage their behaviours safely, develop their resilience and prepare them for the demands of future life with their own families or in other settings. This role is based in Barnardo's Merseyside locality, initially at Liverpool and an On Call Allowance is payable. This role is an ideal opportunity for an experienced Children's Home Deputy Manager looking for career progression. Previous applicants need not apply. When completing your application please refer to your skills knowledge and experience in relation to the Person Specification, Job Description and Additional Information document. This should be done with an understanding of the context of the service described. About Barnardo's At Barnardo's we believe in children – no matter who they are, what they have done or what they have been through. Please read about our basis and values following the link below. You will be asked questions relating to them as part of the recruitment process for this role. Barnardo's is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce for staff and volunteers. We actively encourage applications from disabled, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic and male candidates as they are under-represented within Barnardo's. Our basis and values Click here for full details and application documents  Location: Norfolk Salary: £20,500-£21,525 Contract Type: Permanent / Full Time Closing Date: Friday 26 June 2020 Transition Worker – Supporting Young People Leaving Care
In this busy role, no two days will be the same as you support Young People to live independently in the community. As a Transition Worker for Break Charity – Staying Connected Service, you’ll work with numerous agencies to help make a difference to the lives of young care leavers in the community. Working both within the Young Persons home and in a variety of other settings, you’ll develop personal, flexible and realistic support packages based on people’s individual circumstances. Ultimately, this role is all about helping young people to realise their full potential, so you’ll develop strength-based plans, complete risk assessments and identify opportunities for them to get involved in their communities. That means you’ll also build relationships with the Young People. Delivering support to all young people to make a positive transition into adulthood, improve young people’s chances to progress successfully through education to employment, helping them to acquire the skills to live independently, whilst supporting them to make positive, informed choices about their lives This position will be based in Norwich but will involve regular travel across various locations within Norfolk. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic, creative and motivated with a professional, caring and calm approach. You will need to be able to demonstrate commitment, flexibility and imagination. You will also need to be creative in problem solving and be able to work well using your own initiative and within a team. If you are interested in enriching the lives of the people we support, especially those who are living within the Norfolk area, please take a look at the Essential Job Information and apply. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive and supportive employer and recognise that working with young people, although incredibly rewarding, is not without its challenges. Therefore, we want you to feel appreciated for the life changing work you are doing. You will receive comprehensive training, company pension scheme, have excellent career progression opportunities, and be working in a warm and welcoming work environment – amongst many other things. Essential Information Salary: The current salary scale for this post is £20,500 - £21,525 per annum, depending on qualifications. (The maximum job rate potential is £22,550 which is performance related). At appointment: The actual salary will be £20,500. Hours: 38 hours per week Closing Date: 26th June 2020 Interviews: The first interview which will be a Safe Care/ Warner style interview, will be held on 6th July 2020. If successful after the first interview, candidates will then be expected to attend a second formal interview also scheduled to take place on 9th July 2020. We anticipate that each interview should last around 60 minutes and we aim to leave a 30 minute break in between each interview. To comply with the Immigration Asylum & Nationality Act 2006 and additional amendments, and UK Border Agency (UKBA) requirements, all prospective employees will be asked to supply evidence of eligibility to work in the UK. We will ask to see and take a copy of an appropriate official document as set out in the UKBA guidelines. Do not send anything now, further information will be sent to you should you be invited to interview. We are committed to equality of opportunity. Your current immigration status will not be taken into account when assessing your application against the selection criteria for the post For more information on this job opportunity, please initially email or call the HR Team via the contact details found on our website. Click here for full details and to apply
From supplying food parcels, to emergency cash payments to help families pay for essentials children’s charities Barnardo’s Scotland and Action for Children have been supporting the most disadvantaged in communities across Scotland throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and will continue to do so, but while the charity's incomes are being decimated demand for vital services is increasing.
During the lockdown the children’s charities have supported children, young people and families in local authorities from Dumfries and Galloway in the south to Orkney in the north. The charities moved quickly and effectively responding to over 3,404 new applications for support. The charities were aware that vulnerable families and young people were already struggling and only “just coping” before the pandemic. The current situation has led to significant escalation of need, meaning many were on the cusp of crisis. They have broadened the scope of help and adapted their services to fit the changing landscape – supplying devices to aid virtual communication and schooling; furniture grants for young care leavers who had moved into tenancy just before lockdown, and have maintained ongoing and vital support to young people, particularly around safety and safeguarding. Martin Crewe, Director of Barnardo’s Scotland, said: "Coronavirus is hitting the most vulnerable in our communities the hardest. We were shocked by the immediate and devastating impact of the pandemic on children, young people and families across Scotland. As the two largest children's charities in Scotland, we brought the resources of Barnardo's Scotland and Action for Children together to respond to the scale of this challenge." Paul Carberry, Action for Children Director for Scotland, said: “Across Scotland, staff from our projects work in some of the country’s most disadvantaged communities and have witnessed first-hand the effect of this pandemic. Many of those we work with were already struggling and only ‘just coping’ before Coronavirus. However, since lockdown, there has been a substantial escalation of need with this pandemic having a devastating impact on the most deprived communities. “Working in partnership with Barnardo’s Scotland, our collective reach means that we have been able to distribute immediate support to those who need it most. Together we have supported hundreds of families and young people with essentials ranging from food shopping and fuel through to the payment of bills. It has proved to be a vital lifeline in preventing a great number of families from falling into crisis.” The initial Wellbeing payment issued to the charities from Scottish Government covered a six-week period that has now come to an end, but the need for support is still very much required. To meet this need, Barnardo’s Scotland and Action for Children once again must turn to their own financial reserves to plug the gaps, but they know that this will not be viable for any length of time. Martin continued: “The funding from Scottish Government has been used to provide emergency support to vulnerable families and young people negatively impacted by the Covid-19 crisis. Our frontline staff have identified families and young people most in need and we have processed allocation of payments within 24 hours. All administration costs have been absorbed by the charities to ensure that every penny goes to the families and young people who are in dire need of our support.” The investment from the Scottish Government has been a lifeline helping those most affected by the pandemic, and the charities hope that the Scottish Government will be in a position to make an announcement soon on further financial support to enable them to continue their vital work where it is needed most. Source: www.barnardos.org.uk  Location: Lincolnshire Leaving Care Service – Sleaford Contract type: Permanent Hours: 37 per week Salary: £26,996 - £37,414 Closing Date: 24 April 2020 Barnardo's is commissioned by Lincolnshire County Council to deliver leaving care services to young people leaving their care.
We are looking for an experienced Social Work England registered social worker to extend the leadership team. Working in Lincolnshire, based in Sleaford you will line-manage Leaving Care Workers who directly supporting young people aged 16 – 25 years old. The Team manager will need to be able to demonstrate:
About Barnardo's At Barnardo's we believe in children – no matter who they are, what they have done or what they have been through. Please read about our basis and values following the link below. You will be asked questions relating to them as part of the recruitment process for this role. Barnardo's is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce for staff and volunteers. We actively encourage applications from disabled, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic and male candidates as they are under-represented within Barnardo's. Our basis and values Full details and application documents here Member News: Barnardo's - Looked after children let down by inconsistent services for health11/3/2020
 Health assessments trigger necessary support services for looked after children but they are carried out inconsistently across Scotland to the potential detriment of many young people, children’s charity Barnardo’s Scotland said today (Wed March 11).
Health Boards across Scotland were asked under FOI (Freedom of Information) to detail how they approached health assessments for looked after children and care leavers. The results have been published today in a report titled: Care In Mind: Health Assessments for Looked-after Children. It is the second report in a series by Barnardo’s Scotland which examines policies and practices across many different agencies to improve the mental health and wellbeing of looked-after children and care leavers. The report makes a number of recommendations, including:
David Ferguson, Assistant Director of Policy and Influencing at Barnardo’s Scotland, said: “We’re proud to be drawing attention to the mental health and wellbeing of looked after children and care leavers, which is too often forgotten among the many struggles that they face. As the Independent Care Review recently concluded, access to the right services at the right time can make all the difference. Health Assessment for looked after children can be the start of a journey of recovery, and it’s time Scotland’s policy and practice improved.” Barnardo’s Scotland drew the report together with support from Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport, Monica Lennon. Commenting on the report she said: “All children deserve to grow up in a loving and nurturing environment – and the Independent Care Review, informed by those with lived experience of care, has outlined a way for that ambition to become a reality for all looked after children in Scotland. “Worryingly, the findings of this research reveal a huge level of inconsistency and a general lack of data about the health and emotional wellbeing of looked after children. It’s clear we need to see significant improvements to ensure that our commitments to looked after children are delivered. “I urge Scottish Ministers to act on the findings of the Barnardo’s Scotland report so that improving mental health outcomes for looked after children is made a reality.” The full report can be read here. Source: www.barnardos.org.uk  Barnardo's has joined 26 other organisations working with care-experienced children and young people in England to urge the Government to carry out a review of the care system without delay.
The group has published an open letter to the Secretary of State, Gavin Williamson MP, calling on the Government to move forward with an independent and meaningful review. Javed Khan, Barnardo’s Chief Executive, said: “While many children in the care system have a positive experience, it continues to fail some of the most vulnerable, particularly teenagers and those with complex needs. “As a society we must give these children the same opportunities that as parents we give our own children. Today around 36% of care leavers in England aged 17-21 are not in education, employment or training, compared to 12% of this age group overall. This urgently needs to change. “That’s why we are calling for a root and branch review of the care system, with young people - who are ‘experts by experience’ - at its heart. It must consider why children are entering care, their experience of fostering and residential provision, right through to what happens when they leave. We look forward to working with the Government to improve the system so that all children in care can achieve a positive future.” Source: www.barnardos.org.uk Member News: Actor and award winning writer Lennie James announced as new Barnardo's Ambassador13/11/2019
 He is pledging to fundraise £50,000 for Barnardo’s as part of a new appeal to help support care leavers, the children’s charity announced today.
Lennie, best known for his roles in Line of Duty and The Walking Dead, is becoming Barnardo’s first Ambassador to help represent children who are in and leaving care. The actor went into care aged 10, along with his older brother, when their mother died. They spent time in a children’s home and were later fostered, growing up in Tooting, South London. The star, who appeared in movies Snatch and Blade Runner 2049, is currently in the UK filming the second series of smash hit gritty drama series Save Me 2 in South East London. He took time out today to visit Barnardo’s YouthBuild Academy in Lewisham, where he met care leavers learning construction skills. This evening Lennie will be talking about his life and explaining the reasons for becoming an Ambassador at an ‘In Conversation With’ event at the Bvlgari Hotel in Knightsbridge. Barnardo’s is about to launch an ambitious fundraising campaign, aiming to raise funds over the next three years to support young people leaving care. Lennie and his wife Giselle have chosen to support the campaign by setting up their own fund named after Lennie’s birth and foster mums Phyllis and Pam which will aim to raise £50,000 in its first year for Barnardo’s Positive Futures appeal. Lennie said: “I’m honoured to become Barnardo’s first Children In and Leaving Care Ambassador. “The fear and vulnerability of going into care is etched in my memory. What made the difference was the support of those who looked after me and helped shape who I am today. Without doubt care leavers have challenges to overcome, but a child’s future doesn’t have to be defined by their past. “I was lucky to become an actor - if children have a stable and loving experience while in care, and then get the right support when they leave the system, they can go on to achieve and have fulfilling lives. I passionately believe this, which is why I am looking forward to highlighting and supporting the work of Barnardo’s. My fund is named after my mother Phyllis and my foster mother Pam. In different ways they both gave me life.” Care leaver Callum Nicholas , 20, from Beckenham, said: “It was great to meet Lennie. YouthBuild Academy has been a brilliant programme for me, my colleagues and for the community in my local area. It’s been great that Barnardo’s has provided this opportunity. As a young person who has grown up in care, I know it’s not always easy to access education and training, which is why YouthBuild Academy can make such a big difference.” Currently around 10,000 children leave the care system every year without the support that most young people take for granted, such as advice, emotional and financial support from parents and a family home. In total there are around 40,000 care leavers aged 17-21 in the UK. Barnardo’s Chief Executive, Javed Khan said: “Young people leaving the care system have often experienced trauma such as bereavement, neglect or abuse, and many face additional challenges when it comes to education, employment and training. These vulnerable young people are also at greater risk of poverty and homelessness, and are more likely to struggle with isolation and mental health issues. “At Barnardo’s we believe that with the right support all young people can achieve a positive future. But we rely on the generosity of supporters like Lennie and Giselle so we can provide the services care leavers need. We are delighted to welcome Lennie on board as a Barnardo’s Ambassador, and look forward to working with him to raise awareness of this important issue.” If you’d like to support Lennie’s work with Barnardo’s you can make a donation towards his fund here. Source: www.barnardos.org.uk  Location: Barnardo's Scotland Fostering Edinburgh Contract type: Permanent Hours:37 Salary: £23,545 - 31,833 Closing Date: 13 November 2019 Interview Date: TBC Barnardo's Scotland Fostering Edinburgh Team are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Children's Worker to join our Fostering Team. Relevant experience in direct work with children and young people is desirable. The post holder is required to have valid a driving license as travel forms an essential part of the role (where appropriate reasonable adjustments will be considered for candidates covered by the Equality Act who are unable to obtain a driving license). A recognized childcare qualification is essential.
The post is full-time and flexible arrangements can be considered in line with the service priorities. The post is based in Edinburgh. About Barnardo's At Barnardo's we believe in children – no matter who they are, what they have done or what they have been through. Please read about our basis and values following the link below. You will be asked questions relating to them as part of the recruitment process for this role. Barnardo's is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce for staff and volunteers. We actively encourage applications from disabled, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic and male candidates as they are under-represented within Barnardo's. Our basis and values Full details and application documents here  Location: Gloucestershire Services Contract type: Permanent Hours: 36.25 Salary: £43,096.00 - £55,371.00 (Full Time Equivalent) Closing Date: 1 November 2019 Interview Date: 25th November 2019 Gloucestershire Locality
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Children's Services leader to help shape and support the Barnardo's regional strategy to work with even more vulnerable children and young people over the coming years. You will be based and working in our Gloucestershire locality, where we are a key stakeholder and have a strong history. We are looking for an individual who is willing to get fully involved in supporting staff to deliver potential growth opportunities alongside playing an intrinsic part within the regional Senior Management Team to deliver a very ambitious development programme. We are looking for someone with great interpersonal skills combined with excellent leadership and management capacity, with a passion to improve the lives of our most vulnerable children and young people – is this you? We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and we expect all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. Our safer recruitment processes mean that the safety and welfare of the child is paramount at every stage of the process and therefore, we adopt rigorous scrutiny in our pre-employment checking. This post is subject to a range of pre-employment checks including a Criminal Records Enhanced Disclosure for the successful candidate. At Barnardo's we believe in children – no matter who they are, what they have done or what they have been through. Please read about our basis and values following the link below. You will be asked questions relating to them as part of the recruitment process for this role. About Barnardo's At Barnardo's we believe in children – no matter who they are, what they have done or what they have been through. Please read about our basis and values following the link below. You will be asked questions relating to them as part of the recruitment process for this role. Barnardo's is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce for staff and volunteers. We actively encourage applications from disabled, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic and male candidates as they are under-represented within Barnardo's. Our basis and values Full details and application details here |
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