As the country celebrates Foster Care Fortnight (16 – 29 May) Gwynedd Council’s Gwynedd Fostering Team is encouraging more people to think about whether they have the qualities to become a foster carer.
Foster Care Fortnight is an annual nationwide campaign to raise the profile of fostering and highlights the need for more foster carers.
Whilst Gwynedd’s current foster carers undertake great work in caring for children who are in care, Gwynedd Council is always keen to hear from anyone who is interested in becoming a new foster carer.
Aled Gibbard, Gwynedd Council’s Service Manager for Children’s Services, Fostering & Adoption said:
“Foster carers play a vital role in helping children to thrive, by giving them the best possible chances in life. Anyone can apply to be a foster carer as long as they have what it takes to care for children separated from their own families.
“If you think you have the qualities needed to be a great foster carer, we would love to hear from you. Specialised training is provided, and the Council’s fostering team are always on-hand to offer help and assistance.”
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 / experienced foster carers able to look after children of all ages. Skilled and experienced foster carers can receive up to an additional £100- £300 per week for children of all ages.
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 staff within the fostering service.
If you think you have what it takes to become a foster carer, or if you wish to learn more about fostering, call the Gwynedd Council Foster Care Team on 01286 682660 or email: [email protected]
