New foster carers wanted in the East Riding

A new campaign has launched aiming to recruit 100 new foster carers to join the East Riding fostering community.

A series of videos have been commissioned to hear from East Riding foster carers and young people, aiming to encourage more people to come forward and find out more about the rewards the role brings.

The main video has the theme '100 foster carers, could you be one?', and emphasises that fostering changes lives and provides countless memories.

Alison Rooks and her husband Lee, have been foster carers for almost 50 children over the last eight years.

“It was something we were always passionate about,” said Alison. “From the moment we first met, it was a topic of conversation.

“We have looked after newborns, we have looked after teenagers, we have had sibling groups. The satisfaction of seeing a child or young adult stable and secure, and knowing you have been part of that, is wonderful.

“You need to have the fire in your belly to want to make a difference, and it has changed our own children’s lives. To us, a family is a group of people all living under one roof.

The authority says foster carers need to be caring and resilient people, but the East Riding’s existing community come from all walks of life and a variety of backgrounds.

As long as you are 21 or over, age is not important. You can be single or in a relationship, a home owner or renting, and gender doesn’t matter.

The key factors are that you have a spare room and the time and patience to provide a stable home for a vulnerable child or young person.

In return, carers receive a weekly fee to reflect the type of placement and skills they offer, plus a weekly allowance to cover the costs of caring for a child, such as clothing, food and mileage and additional payments to help with birthdays, Christmas and holidays.

Foster carers also receive excellent ongoing training and support, as well as a dedicated supervising social worker. Members of the fostering household also receive free membership to East Riding Leisure centres.

Councillor Julie Abraham, portfolio holder for children, young people, education, health and social care, said:

“Our team of foster carers in the East Riding are an incredible and dedicated group of people, who provide life-changing support to children and young people when they need it most.

“We are always looking for more people to join our wonderful fostering community, and would love to hear from people who are eager to make a difference.”

For more information, visit www.eastriding.gov.uk/fostering or to receive an electronic information pack, email FISH@eastriding.gov.uk For updates and news, follow East Riding Fostering on Facebook.