Wiltshire Council launch #FosterForWiltshire campaign

They hope to recruit 100 foster carers over the next three years

Author: Isabel KimbreyPublished 29th Sep 2020
Last updated 29th Sep 2020

Wiltshire residents thinking of what next for future job opportunities are being asked to consider choosing foster care as their next career move.

Wiltshire Council is hoping to recruit 100 foster carers over three years to ensure Wiltshire children can find a loving home in the county with the campaign hashtag #FosterForWiltshire.

The local authority say it's an ideal path to choose for parents whose children have left home, gone to university or started school.

Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Skills said:

“We know people consider fostering because they want to make a difference in a child’s life for the better.

"But we also want them to know they will be properly paid for the work they are doing as we value the amazing impact they can have. This is a paid career and people can foster because they are properly supported.

"“We are always keen to have local people foster Wiltshire children and we are reminding people who are thinking of a change of career – think about fostering.

"We pay our foster carers well so for those who want to make the leap and be a foster carer they are given the right support both emotionally and financially to make this work.”

Wiltshire foster carers come from a range of walks of life including Joeanne who is a teacher and has a message for those consider taking on the role.

She says: “It’s really important to spend quality time with foster children - so this could be sharing a book together, watching their favourite movie or going on a day out.

I hope that if you decide to take on fostering as your new journey in life that you enjoy it as much as I have.”

Wiltshire Council approved a new pay structure for fostering earlier this year. Payments are on three levels ranging from ÂŁ350 to ÂŁ650 a week depending on the type of support the child needs.