FOSTER caring has seen an increased uptake as Wiltshire Council continues its drive to recruit new carers.
The council is asking for "empty nesters" and those wanting to try a new job to consider fostering and help provide homes for children and young people coming into care in Wiltshire.
This comes as there are 26 children in Wiltshire Council care from Salisbury.
An online information evening will be held at 6pm on October 6 for those wanting to find out more or ask questions. The meeting accessible on Microsoft Teams using this link.
Different fostering schemes are available through Wiltshire Council with payments ranging from £357 to £663 a week, depending on people's skills and experience.
Continual training and regular support is offered to foster parents by the council.
Ana and Joe tell their foster caring story
Ana and Joe have been Wiltshire Council foster carers for one year looking after siblings aged 12 and 14.
Joe decided he wanted a change of career and the couple agreed to try fostering. He became the main carer while Ana works full time.
Ana explained that foster caring "doesn't have to be after everything else", adding: "There is a misconception that it’s basically older people who have had their own kids who foster.
"People should look at it as option in their twenties or thirties."
The couple say they've felt supported throughout their time as foster carers and Joe "absolutely loves" the training.
Another fostering misconception is that the children are "bad kids", but Ana explained what it's really like to foster teenagers. She said: "The reality is none of these kids are bad kids, none of them, they just need the opportunity.
"If you are someone who can give them the opportunity, you should do it.”
Since the start of the Wiltshire Council's recruitment campaign in April 2020, 61 additional fostering households have been recruited, but more are needed.
Cabinet member for children’s services, Cllr Laura Mayes, said: “We are grateful to the many foster carers who provide a warm home and stable influence in our young people’s lives.
"Many children and young people have gone through trauma and difficulties and we are very fortunate we can offer them a safe place to stay where they can heal and learn to trust again."
Cllr Mayes encourages anyone thinking about foster caring to join the information session or to call Wiltshire Council so the team can "explain everything needed to help them decide if fostering is right for them".
Foster carers need to be over 21 years of age, have a spare bedroom, time to care for a child and a willingness to care for young people who have experienced trauma and loss.
For more information, visit www.fosteringwiltshire.uk, email fostering@wiltshire.gov.uk, call 0800 169 6321 or text the word Foster to 60002.
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