Next move - fostering

Wiltshire residents thinking of what next for future job opportunities are being asked to consider choosing foster care as their next career move.

September can be the time for change as older children fly the nest and go off to college or new jobs. For younger families a child going to school can mean a significant change.

Now Wiltshire Council is encouraging people who are thinking about a new direction to make the move to fostering.

Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Skills said: "We know people consider fostering because they want to make a difference in a child's life for the better.  But we also want them to know they will be properly paid for the work they are doing as we value the amazing impact they can have. This is a paid career and people can foster because they are properly supported.

"We are always keen to have local people foster Wiltshire children and we are reminding people who are thinking of a change of career - think about fostering. We pay our foster carers well so for those who want to make the leap and be a foster carer they are given the right support both emotionally and financially to make this work."

Wiltshire Council is hoping to recruit 100 foster carers over three years to ensure Wiltshire children can find a loving home in the county with the campaign hash tag #FosterForWiltshire.

Wiltshire foster carers come from a range of walks of life including Joeanne who is a teacher and has a message for those consider taking on the role.

She explains: "It's really important to spend quality time with foster children -  so this could be sharing a book together, watching their favourite movie or going on a day out. I hope that if you decide to take on fostering as your new journey in life that you enjoy it as much as I have."

To foster, people need to be aged 21 or over and have a spare bedroom. More details are available on the Fostering Wiltshire.

For those who want to find out more there will also be an online information session this Friday 2 October at 7pm on this link : https://join-emea.broadcast.skype.com/wiltshire.gov.uk/d595ab5a241e485b9c3328b56dfbe67b (opens new window)

People can hear from the foster care team as well as have an insight from a foster carer on what it is like to foster as a career.

Wiltshire Council approved a new pay structure for fostering earlier this year. Payments are on three levels ranging from £350 to £650 a week depending on the type of support the child needs.

People can find out more information by:

• Calling fostering on 0800 1696321
• Emailing fostering@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window)
• Visiting Fostering Wiltshire