There is an urgent need for more foster carers in Rutland
Only 29% of children are with mainstream foster carers
Rutland County Council are urging people to think about fostering.
With many children currently being cared for by the council and only 29% of children with mainstream foster carers.
Fostering is everything
The say it can be difficult for children coming into care, as they need to leave their family home, school environment and friends if suitable care can’t be provided in the County.
Rutland County Council is actively recruiting new foster carers as there is an urgent need for more local carers, who can look after Rutland children.
The Council is currently caring for several children who are either waiting for foster carers or being cared for in other areas, due to a need for more local placements.
Angie Bishop, head of Quality Practice Fostering & Adoption at Rutland county council said:
"Fostering is everything."
"I think the difference that's made to children and young people's lives by foster carers who then become part of their lives for years and years and then throughout adulthood, the difference is huge."
"The strengths that we see with our in house foster carers and the difference they make is huge."
"Built into that is that familiarity of where they're living. Living in the county that potentially they've always lived in and were born in."
Sarah Gill, principle social worker at Rutland County Council, said:
"Children who have to live further away have longer to travel to school; their networks are reduced; their ability to spend time with siblings and families is all reduced."
"That's why it's really important for us to reach out to the local community so that we can raise awareness of Rutland needing foster carers."
"If we had more foster carers in Rutland, we would be able to support connections not just with foster carers but with their wider networks."
"For example, their schools, making sure they can access their health provisions that they're used to accessing, making sure they can access their out-of-school activities."
Foster carers and the difference they make is huge
Foster carers can come from all backgrounds and walks of life.
The council suggest the most important thing is that you’re aged over 21, can be flexible with your time and are able to look after a child.
Foster carers can be single, married, divorced or living together.
They can be from any religious or ethnic background, any sexuality, a homeowner or living in rented accommodation.
Foster care itself can also take many forms. It can be full time and long term, but can also be overnight, one weekend a month, or short term.
The process to becoming a foster carer usually takes around six months and the Rutland Foster Care Team say they are happy to have a no-obligation, informal chat with anyone who may be interested.
Councillor Tim Smith, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said:
'For us to achieve the best outcomes and life chances for children in our care, we urgently need more foster carers in Rutland.'
'We understand the journey to becoming a foster carer can be a long one, with lots of things to consider.'
'That’s why we have a dedicated Fostering Service that’s committed to supporting potential foster carers on that journey.'
'We want to talk to people about what it’s like to be a foster carer and explain the help that you get from us throughout – whether that’s training, advice or financial assistance to cover care and living costs.'