Young people in Wiltshire share how foster care changed their life
New campaign aims to get more people in Wiltshire interested in fostering a young person
Young people in Wiltshire and their foster carers are sharing examples of how foster care changed their lives, as more foster families are sought in our area.
“One of my proudest moments was when I passed my driving test. I’d done a lot of practice with my foster carers and then suddenly passing the test was great."
From passing his driving test to graduating from university, having the support of foster carers has helped Cameron move forward with his life and ambition.
"The first time I was able to take them out as a passenger after I’d got my full licence was a great achievement for me during my time in care", he added.
He has been sharing his experience as part of a campaign by Wiltshire Council which aims to get more people interested in becoming foster carers.
The council hopes to recruit more foster cares by highlighting how they can help turn a young person’s life around for the better.
"I knew that a child we cared for felt loved when he told us ‘as soon as I’m old enough to have a phone you are the first person I will call'"
Foster carer Paul explained one of his proud moments was having a young person realise they were now in a warm, stable home:
“Being a long term match for a young person and seeing the joy in her face, knowing she’s not going anywhere and she’s got that safety and security.”
Foster carer Hannah said:
“I knew that a child we cared for felt loved when he told us ‘as soon as I’m old enough to have a phone you are the first person I will call.’”
And foster carer Joanne said she's proud to have helped a child grow their confidence:
“I am proud of my eldest foster child as her confidence has grown so much. In August she performed in a show and sang her first solo, where previously she would not sing in front of anyone."
Foster carers need to be over 21 years of age, have a spare bedroom, time to care for a child and a willingness to care and seek to understand young people who have experienced trauma and loss.
Wiltshire Council says it needs more foster families to support the number of young people in foster care stay close to their school, friends and families.
It says it has increased its fostering rates which range from £366 to £680 a week depending on people’s skills and experience.
Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services said:
“Foster carers do make a real difference to a young person’s life. Having a warm, stable home gives them the safe space to look to the future and to believe in themselves. You simply cannot underestimate the positive influence having a foster carer can have.
"We are so fortunate in Wiltshire and proud to have so many carers that make this amazing difference to young people’s lives every day. We always need more, and for those who are thinking of fostering in 2023 we’d say talk to us and find out more.
"This time next year you could be looking back on how you have helped make a real difference for another young person in Wiltshire."
An online information evening will be held on Tuesday, 31 January, from 6pm to 7pm, for people wanting to find out more about fostering.
More information about fostering in our area can be found on the FosteringWiltshire website, by calling 0800 169 6321 or texting the word 'Foster' to 60002.