Coventry City Council launches recruitment drive for Foster Care Fortnight
Friday 11 May 2012
Fostering for Coventry really pays. That's the main message from Coventry City Council at the start of this year's Foster Care Fortnight (14-27 May), the national awareness raising campaign organised by the Fostering Network.
"Fostering provides life-changing support for children and young people in our city," explains Cllr Jim O'Boyle, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People. "The council has responsibility for over 600 vulnerable children and young people. Fostering gives those children a second chance at having a loving and secure family life, which leads to higher achievements at school and better outcomes in life."
Cllr O'Boyle continues: "Fostering is also an opportunity for people to develop new skills and a new career, paid for and supported by Coventry City Council. We provide extensive training and support, including opportunities to gain child care qualifications for those who are looking to develop a professional career in child care. Our generous fees and allowances range from £260 to £980 per week. So it really does pay to foster for Coventry."
The Council is keen to dispel myths about who can foster. "There is no such thing as a typical foster carer," says Shanti Eaves, Head of Service for Looked After Children. "You can be single, married or in a relationship. You may be home-based or working. In fact many of our carers foster alongside their existing jobs. You don't have to be a parent but you do need the time and commitment to work with children and young people."
"Coventry Fostering Service always tries to place a child with one of our own approved foster carers," explains Shanti. "The more people we can approve as foster carers, the more likely it is that a good match can be found for Coventry children in terms of their needs, culture and ethnicity. And this helps to reduce the damage that instability and disruption can bring."
Cllr O'Boyle concludes: "I urge anyone who thinks they may have the skills to foster to get in touch with our Fostering Service and find out more about this hugely rewarding role."
For more information about fostering for Coventry City Council visit www.coventry.gov.uk/fostering or call 024 7683 2828.
