Wiltshire Council needs more foster carers for children

As part of Foster Care Fortnight, running from May 11 to 24, Wiltshire Council is raising awareness of the need in the community by sharing the stories and experiences of existing carers.

Currently, the council looks after around 500 children and young people, many of whom are able to stay in their communities thanks to the support of foster carers.

Wiltshire Council is encouraging residents to become foster carers. (Image: Wiltshire Council)

Tara and her husband began fostering during the pandemic and now welcomes older children and separated migrant children into her home.

Tara said: "When we first went through the approval process we wanted to have younger children, but the way everything worked out, we started off with teenagers, and actually now our preference is for older children and separated migrant children.

"We enjoy the different cultures – it’s been really interesting hearing people’s experiences from different parts of the world.

"It’s just a totally different type of fostering."

The council said it urgently needs more foster carers, especially for older children, sibling groups and children arriving in the UK separated from their families.

Cllr Jon Hubbard, cabinet member for children’s services, said: "Foster carers across Wiltshire provide stability, care and understanding to children and young people at some of the most challenging times in their lives.

"Tara’s story shows that there is no one ‘type’ of foster carer, and that fostering can grow into something people may never have expected.

"Through Foster Care Fortnight, our fostering road trip events and the online information session at the end of May, we’re giving people plenty of opportunities to talk to us, hear real experiences and explore whether fostering could be right for them.

"If you’ve ever thought about fostering, even quietly, Foster Care Fortnight is the perfect time to find out more and take that first step."

As part of the campaign, the council’s fostering team has been visiting communities across the county with a series of engagement events.

These drop-in sessions offer residents the chance to meet foster carers and social workers, ask questions and learn about the fostering journey.

The campaign will conclude with an online fostering information event on Saturday, May 30.

Wiltshire Council offers full training, ongoing support and a dedicated team to guide foster carers every step of the way.

Anyone who is over 21 and has a spare bedroom is encouraged to find out more, whether they are single, married, working or retired.