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.

Wiltshire Council foster carer Joeanne made the choice to change careers.

She said: “Foster caring for me has been a real career change. I mean I used to be a primary school teacher, and then I went into fostering and I started off as a respite carer, whereas now I do full time care for two young children and I really enjoy it. I went to a fostering questionnaire day. I found out some more information and then it kind of took off from there.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald:

“My proudest moments of the children I’ve been looking after are when they first arrived and neither of them could swim. One of them is now in stage seven swimming, and the other is in stage five, so I’m really proud of their achievements. It’s been great to watch them flourish. My advice for future foster carers would be to use the support that’s available. Do all the courses you can, because it really gives you a wealth of knowledge to be able to support the children in the best way you possibly can and remember that these children have experienced a lot of trauma, and they just need a loving home and someone to show them that they are worthy and that you do love them, and that you will help them in any way you can when they are ready to accept it.”

Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services said: “By fostering with Wiltshire Council people can provide a home which is local for our young people and meets their needs. We have increased the rates we pay foster carers as we want them to feel supported to continue making this incredible difference to young lives.

If you are interested please call us or join one of our online drop in information sessions so you can find out more and hear from other foster carers. There is no obligation just an opportunity for a chat and to see if fostering is for you.”

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald:

For those wanting to find out more or ask questions there are drop-in sessions. Monday 8 January from 12 noon to 1pm Join conversation (microsoft.com) and Wednesday 17 January from 6pm – 7pm - Join conversation (microsoft.com)

Fostering for the local council means all money is spent on frontline services and the child is more likely to be able to stay close to their school, friends and family. Fostering rates range from £380 to £710 a week per child depending on people’s skills and experience.

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.

For more information visit fostering.wiltshire.gov.uk email fostering@wiltshire.gov.uk, call 0800 169 6321 or text the word Foster to 60002.