We’re proud to support fostering – are you?
Thanks to the commitment and hard work of our dedicated network of foster carers in Buckinghamshire, many of our most vulnerable children and young people are able to live stable and supported lives in the comfort of a family home close to their friends, family and school.
During Foster Care Fortnight (8 to 21 May) we are celebrating these men and women who are proud to support fostering and be a foster carer and thanking them for choosing to Foster with Bucks.
Sadly, despite the efforts of our existing foster carers we still have many more children, particularly teenagers and unaccompanied asylum seeking children who are desperately in need of a place they can call home. There are not enough foster carers in Buckinghamshire to look after these children and young people in need.
We are holding two fostering information sessions this month and are appealing to local people to come forward to find out if they can support local children in need.
The sessions will take place on:
- Wednesday 10 May, The Hub, Easton Street, High Wycombe, HP11 1NJ from 7pm to 8.30pm
- Thursday 18 May, Aylesbury Opportunities Centre, Thame Road South, Aylesbury, HP21 8TS, 7pm to 8.30pm
Information sessions are a great way to find out more about what fostering involves and whether you are eligible. You can speak direct to one of our current foster carers about their experiences and find out more about the process of becoming a foster carer from our First Step team.
To book your place contact our First Step team on 0800 160 1900 or visit our website: www.buckscc.gov.uk/fostering
Gladys Rhodes-White, Interim Director of Children’s Services explains why the need for new foster carers in Buckinghamshire is so vital: “For a child or young person in care, being taken away from their home is a frightening enough prospect but when they are taken far away from everything they know including friends, extended family and school that fear and uncertainty is multiplied.
“However the reality is that without enough suitable foster carers locally to look after these children we have to find homes for them that can sometimes be far away. We are appealing to the local people of Buckinghamshire to come forward and to support children from their local community.”
“We welcome carers from all different backgrounds and circumstances to match the diverse needs of our young people so please do not rule yourselves out until you have learnt more about what is involved.”
Bucks Foster Carer Juliet Cleverdon gives an insight into her reasons for being a foster carer: “Fostering can be a challenge but it is also incredibly rewarding, knowing that you have helped a child or young person during a difficult time.
“As a foster carer with Buckinghamshire County Council you are always fully supported and only a phone call away from help and guidance when needed. I would urge anyone who thinks they may be able to help to pick up the phone now”.