Celebrating our fostering community
“We’ve made friends in the fostering community that will last a lifetime. We offer one another genuine support and empathy.” Quote from a Buckinghamshire foster carer.
Buckinghamshire Council is celebrating all its foster carers, their families and the wider fostering community as it kicks off ‘Foster Care Fortnight’ in Buckinghamshire (9 to 22 May), exploring this year’s theme of Fostering Communities.
There are currently over 500 children in Buckinghamshire who need a safe and loving home. People go into fostering for all kinds of reasons and Buckinghamshire Council wants everyone to know about the process, the support and most importantly, the rewards that fostering can bring.
Anita Cranmer, Buckinghamshire Council Cabinet Member for Children’s Services said:
“Our foster carers are part of a wider team around the child and become part of a friendly, passionate and hugely supportive network. We know fostering isn’t without challenges, but the support from our foster care team and fellow foster carers helps you to do the best you can. You might feel worried or daunted about the process – but please don’t worry – get in touch and we can answer any questions you have.”
If you’re thinking about fostering, or know someone who is, Foster Care Fortnight is the perfect time to find out more.
Throughout the fortnight Buckinghamshire Council will be sharing the words of our amazing foster carers and colleagues, exploring what’s so special about fostering, talking about why we urgently need more foster carers, and shining a spotlight on the amazing support network that is there for you as a foster carer with Buckinghamshire Council.
In addition to stories, videos and testimony on our Foster with Bucks Facebook (@FosterBucks) and Twitter (@FosterWithBucks) during Foster Care Fortnight, we’re holding a special information evening on Wednesday 18 May, and a live Twitter Q&A at lunchtime on Thursday 19 May – submit your questions using the #AskFosterBucks or email fosterwithbucks@buckinghamshire.gov.uk.
During Foster Care Fortnight, Buckinghamshire Council is also introducing its new way of supporting Buckinghamshire foster carers, being piloted in the autumn, The Fostering Network’s innovative Mockingbird family model. The evidence-based model nurtures the relationships between children, young people and foster families, supporting them to build a resilient and caring community.
It brings together a community of up to ten foster families with a hub home carer at the centre. The hub home carer, who is a specially trained, experienced foster carer, provides support, understanding and friendship to all the carers and young people within the group, replicating the support and relationships of an extended family.
Find out more at www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/foster-care-fortnight