Foster carers needed in Cambridgeshire
The County Council's recruiting
Last updated 29th Jun 2021
Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council are asking us to become foster carers, with support, guidance, and training on offer throughout the process.
Both councils are celebrating how foster carers' acts of support, love and guidance help children and young people thrive and develop, with the launch of a new campaign called 'It's The Little Things'.
The councils' fostering service is encouraging people who can offer safe, secure and loving family homes and want to dedicate their time to supporting children and young people in foster care, to make contact today. They especially want to hear from you if you have questions that need answers before you decide to become a foster carer.
Vicki (38), a foster carer from Wisbech, who has just transferred from an Independent Fostering Agency to the Council, said:
"The fostering process with the local council has been amazing, all the social workers listen and support is offered constantly, rather than me having to ask for it. The council encourage you to just be yourself rather than forcing you to be this idea of perfect. They immediately organised a mentor for me who I now speak to every two weeks and have meet ups with for a coffee."
Vicky said:
"It is so nice to feel like everyone has got your back, as this is not the experience I had with the independent agency. I immediately built a bond with my social worker after only a couple of meetings, and she ensures that I know all the information about a child before I take them on and helps me to decide if I am suitable for the child and if the child is suitable for my family. The council always put their children first and therefore I feel at ease. I am so excited for my first placement."
Councillor Bryony Goodliffe, Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council's Children and Young People's Committee said:
"Members of the fostering recruitment and assessment team are friendly, open and supportive and they are always available to answer any questions that you may have about becoming a foster carer.
"We take the time to get to know every applicant so that you feel supported when you start your fostering journey, and there is help every step of the way. I urge anyone who is considering fostering to come forward and help us support children and young people across the county."
Here are a few of fostering top tips to help you start the process:
o Do some background research. There are some fantastic books on foster caring that provide a real insight into the role.
o Go along to any events and webinars where you will get chance to hear from current foster carers. They always share the best information and give the best insight into life as a foster carer.
o Think about the age group of children you are interested in fostering - we are looking for people to provide love and support to children over 10, sibling groups and children with disabilities.
o If you already have children, make sure you have spoken to them and sought their views as they are will be sharing their home and you with another child or young person.
o Talk to family members, friends and colleagues and involve them in the fact-finding process. Share what you learn from speaking to the council every step of the way, so that you are not alone. This is a life-changing commitment for you and your family, and we want to prepare you for it and help you succeed.
o There's no need to have any special qualifications or experience to become a foster but you will need to be over 21, have a spare bedroom in your home and be dedicated to making a positive difference to children and young people's lives.
o Think about the skills and experience you already have and let us help build on these to support your fostering journey. We are here to support and guide you and we will always work at your pace.
Age, ethnicity, gender identification or sexual orientation are not barriers to fostering. The only requirements are that prospective foster carers are over 21 and have a spare bedroom in their home and genuinely want to care for and help children and young people.
Further information about fostering in Cambridgeshire can be found at online or by emailing fostering@cambridgeshire.gov.uk or by phoning 0800 052 0078.