Gwynedd Council’s fostering team will be holding an open-house event on Pool Street in Caernarfon throughout next week.
They will be joined by foster carers who will be available to share their experiences and answer questions from those interested in learning more about becoming a foster carer with Gwynedd Council.
The fostering team will be on-hand at the former ‘Gift Horse’ shop at Pool Street, located between the Barnett Pepper and Superdrug shops every day next week (17 to 22 October 2011). Officers will answer questions and hand-out information packs and application forms to those interested in becoming a foster carer for Gwynedd Council.
Councillor Wyn Williams, Gwynedd Council’s Social Services Portfolio Leader said:
“Foster carers provide a hugely important service and we are extremely grateful for their hard work. Without them many children, whose own parents are unable to look after them for any number of reasons, may have to move far from their own homes, away from family, friends and school.
“Gwynedd Council is always keen to hear from people who are interested in becoming new foster carers. This week-long drop-in session will provide a great way for those interested in becoming a foster carer to learn more about the help and advice on offer, as well as being an excellent opportunity to talk to people who have already been through the process.”
Foster carers look after children of all ages, from newborn babies to teenagers, and the Council’s dedicated fostering team – who have been praised by external evaluators for the level of support they provide – are always available to offer advice and guidance.
It takes about six months to become an approved foster carer, from the initial stages of finding out information on fostering, to the preparation stages, which include training and meeting experienced foster carers and Council staff within the fostering team.
All fostering households receive a weekly allowance of between £125 – £215 per week, per child to cover the cost of looking after each child. Also, there is a fee paid scheme for skilled and experienced foster carers able to look after children of all ages. They can receive up to an additional £100- £300 per week for children of all ages.
Mari Thomas, Fostering and Adoption Team Manager at Gwynedd Council added:
“Foster care is usually a temporary arrangement and a child’s stay with a carer can last anything from a couple of days to several months, and occasionally a year or more.
“There are currently 92 foster carers in Gwynedd who undertake great work in caring for children and young people across the county, but we are always keen to hear from new people who are interested in becoming a foster carer. We are especially keen to hear from people in the Arfon area of the county, particularly those who can speak Welsh, who would be able to offer a temporary home for young Welsh-speaking children.
“Specialised training is provided for foster carers, and the Council’s fostering team are always on-hand to offer help and assistance. If you think you have the qualities needed to be a great foster carer, we would love to hear from you – why not come along to our drop-in sessions from 17 to 22 October.”
Gwynedd Council’s fostering team will be at the former ‘Gift Horse’ shop at Pool Street, Caernarfon from Monday, 17 October to Saturday, 22 October. They will be there from 9.30am to 4.30pm between Monday and Friday and from 10am to 4pm on Saturday.
For more information about becoming a foster carer, contact Gwynedd Council’s fostering team on 01286 682660, e-mail [email protected] or visit: www.gwynedd.gov.uk/fostering
