Welcome to the May edition of our local council fostering newsletter!
May is a traditionally busy month in fostering, crowned by the annual celebration of fostering with Foster Care Fortnight, led by The Fostering Network. This year, it runs from 12th May – 25th May and focuses on “The Power of Relationships”. Read on to learn more about this and the importance of all relationships in fostering.
Both ourselves and our local council partners will be celebrating this over the course of May with plenty of activity across the region. More information about this can be found across our social media platforms.
So, no matter where you are on your fostering journey, we hope you’ll enjoy reading more below. Don’t forget, we’re here for you whenever you feel ready to take the next step, or if you just want some of your questions answered.
The Power of Relationships and 45,000 steps
This year’s theme for Foster Care Fortnight focuses on The Power of Relationships – because at the heart of every fostering journey are the connections that make all the difference. We will be celebrating this over the course of May with our partner local councils and brand partners Mood Bears, sharing the fact that these relationships can look different for everyone.
Throughout May, we’re also bringing attention to the fact that due to a shortage of local council foster carers, one in five children are being moved over 20miles from their home, damaging this important relationship. To recognise this, we’ve come together with Pure Gym to encourage people to complete 45,000 steps however they see fit.
Read on to learn more about our plans for Foster Care Fortnight 2025.
Why we foster siblings – Nikki and Ken, Dorset Council
Meet Nikki and Ken, foster carers for Dorset Council. Learn more about their fostering journey and why they choose to foster siblings for their local council.
Fostering siblings is a vital part of Dorset Council’s fostering service, aimed at keeping brothers and sisters together when they come into care. This initiative not only helps maintain their familial relationships but also provides them with a sense of stability and emotional support.
Dorset Council is actively seeking more foster carers who can take on sibling groups, as well as teenagers, children with special educational needs and disabilities, and asylum-seeking children.
Types of Fostering – Parent and Child Fostering
Parent and child foster care is a unique and vital aspect of fostering that focuses on supporting both the parent and their child together. This type of care provides a safe and nurturing environment where parents can develop their parenting skills while ensuring their child receives the stability and care they need.
The goal is to keep families together and help them thrive by offering guidance, resources, and emotional support. Foster carers play a crucial role in this process, acting as mentors and advocates for the parents while also ensuring the child’s well-being.
By fostering both the parent and child, we can create a positive and lasting impact on their lives, helping them build a stronger, healthier future together.
Why foster for your local council – Receive fees and allowances
Fostering with your local council provides financial benefits including a weekly allowance to cover the costs of caring for a child, and potentially fee payments based on your skills and experience. These allowances and fees are designed to support the costs of caring for the child, including food, clothing, and other essentials. Foster carers are also considered self-employed for tax and national insurance purposes, and may be eligible for certain benefits, including potential Council Tax discounts.
All foster carers receive a weekly allowance to cover the costs associated with caring for a child. This allowance is paid on a monthly basis and can vary depending on the child’s age, needs, and the type of care provided.
Some foster carers may also receive fee payments (sometimes called skills payments) in addition to their allowance, recognising their time, experience, and skills in caring for children.
Welcome to the Fostering South West Podcast
Welcome to the very first episode of the Fostering South West Podcast, launched on the one year anniversary of the Hub!
Join Carrie and Ian your regular hosts to the fortnightly podcast as we are introduced to Joe, a local council foster carer for Wiltshire Council. In this introductory episode, celebrating the first birthday of Fostering South West, we are introduced to the world of local council fostering and tackle some of the most common myths and misconceptions. Whether you’re considering becoming a foster carer or just curious about the process, this episode is packed with valuable insights and information.
Our fortnightly episodes are designed to provide insightful, engaging and informative content about fostering for your local council in the south west region. Whether you’re a current foster carer, considering becoming one, or simply interested in learning more about the fostering process, this channel is for you.
Keep in touch with us
Don’t miss out on our fresh content across our social media channels! Follow them via the buttons below.