Wiltshire Council is asking people looking for a change of career to consider fostering to help provide homes for the rising numbers of children and young people in care.

The council has a number of different roles available for those interested in fostering. One important role is that of an emergency foster carer. There are situations that arise unexpectedly which mean young people need emergency care and support at short notice.

Foster carers under this scheme provide temporary emergency care to any child or young person needing a safe place to stay until a suitable home is found. Young people in this situation are dealing with uncertainty and may also be traumatised and will need extra support.

Emergency foster carers receive £900 per week per child when they have a child to stay with them and £500 per week when they don’t have foster children to care for. The council would like to recruit more carers to help meet the demand. Steve and Julie are emergency foster carers with Wiltshire Council.

Steve realised that fostering would allow him to give up his manual job while doing something rewarding, to give something back. Emergency fostering scheme has been 0800 169 6321 Or text the word Foster to 60002 fostering.wiltshire.gov.uk fostering.wiltshire.gov.uk/emergencyfoster-care fostering@wiltshire.gov.uk

OPEN YOUR HEART

There are a lot of young people in need of a safe and welcoming place to live on short notice, so consider if emergency fostering is right for you challenging at times, but they have enjoyed working with every young person who has lived with them.

He said: “All young people who have come to live with us have been different, all individuals. Often, we have needed time and patience to get past the initial bravado they present but underneath, all are children needing help and support.

“Fostering is life changing and you will need to be dedicated but it so worthwhile. Anyone who is interested in fostering would not be disappointed. It is such a rewarding career. You feel you are helping and making a difference in the lives of young people.”

Emergency foster carers should be available for a minimum of 14 nights a month. Emergency carers have a child or young person staying with them for 14 nights per month followed by a rest period of up to 14 nights where they won’t have any child/young person staying with them.

Carers need to be flexible as there will be times where they may need to take a child/young person in on the two weeks off period or the child may need to stay longer than anticipated.

For those wanting to find out more or ask questions, please visit our website and look for future events. Foster carers need to be aged 21 and over, have a spare bedroom, time to care for a child and a willingness seek to understand young people who have experienced trauma and loss.

FUTURE EVENTS: Thursday, February 8 6pm to 7pm Wednesday, February 14 1pm to 2pm Monday, February 19 1pm to 2pm Wednesday, February 28 6pm to 7pm For more information on emergency foster care, use the information below.

0800 169 6321 or text the word Foster to 60002

fostering.wiltshire.gov.uk

fostering.wiltshire.gov.uk/emergency-foster-care

fostering@wiltshire.gov.uk