Fostering News: Drive for more carers to foster separated sibling groups

Foster families in Wolverhampton who can commit to homing sibling groups are set to receive more financial help from the city council.

Officials say brothers and sisters placed in foster care are more likely to be split up and have now introduced measures that will allow carers to apply for extra financial help, in some circumstances.

People interested in fostering are invited to drop-in sessions across the city over the next few weeks.

Councillor Val Gibson, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said:

"We are very lucky to have so many dedicated foster carers who combine a desire to help children with a commitment to providing the best possible care.

But we have more sibling groups who are looking for a foster home. Keeping siblings together provides them with the best possible future given their relationships with each other, the support they may provide one another and their shared experiences.

These new measures are just one of the ways we are supporting our foster carers and we hope that more will take up this support and open their home and hearts to a family that needs them. "

– COUNCILLOR VAL GIBSON.

The council say there are dozens of children waiting for a home, and the Fostering for Wolverhampton team are now keen to hear from individuals and couples who want foster a local child or children.

Officials say foster carers can be sole carers, married or in a relationship -and they 'won't be on their own as help and support is always available.'

Carers receive six months' "buddy support" from other more experienced foster carers to guide them through the system.

Placements can be anything from a few days to a number of years and carers receive a regular, tax exempt fee and allowance to cover the cost of bringing up the child.

People who are interested in becoming foster carers are invited to meet the Fostering for Wolverhampton Recruitment Team at one of its drop-in sessions, taking place over the next few weeks. They will be taking place at:

• Tettenhall Christmas Lights switch on, Saturday 25 November, 5pm-7.30pm
• Queen Square, Wolverhampton, Friday 1 December, 9.30am-3pm
• Castlecroft Rugby Club, Sunday 10 December, 9.30am-1pm.

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People can also find out more about becoming a foster carer by visiting www.cityofwolverhamptoncouncil.gov.uk/fostering, by calling 01902 551133 or searching for 'Fostering for Wolves' on Facebook.

Source:
http://www.itv.com

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