Make a difference by Fostering for Wolverhampton

Throughout this year’s Foster Care Fortnight, which begins today (Monday 10 May), people who want to find out more about fostering for Wolverhampton are being invited to get in touch or take part in online information events.

Last year, the City of Wolverhampton Council saw an increase in people interested in fostering during the coronavirus pandemic. More people than ever contacted the Fostering for Wolverhampton team to find out how they could help change a child’s life and what the application process involves.

This month’s online information events will be on Thursday (13 May) at 1pm, Saturday (15 May) at 1.30pm and Thursday 20 May at 6.30pm. Each event, lasting no more than an hour, will offer an opportunity to find out more about this rewarding career, including the support and financial benefits on offer. It is also an opportunity to speak directly to existing foster carers and find out first-hand what it is like to be a foster carer.

For more information, please visit www.fosteringforwolverhampton.com/events. Meetings will be held via Microsoft Teams.

The theme for this year’s Foster Care Fortnight is #WhyWeCare and it is an opportunity to recognise how foster families are helping to give hundreds of children in Wolverhampton the best possible start in life by offering them a supportive environment in a loving home.

But more foster carers are urgently needed as there are still dozens of children waiting for a home, and the Fostering for Wolverhampton team is keen to hear from individuals and couples who want to make a difference to a local child. 

Foster carers can be single, married or in a relationship – and they won't be on their own as help and support is available 24 hours a day. They will receive ‘buddy support’ from experienced foster carers who are there to help and guide them and carers receive a regular, tax exempt fee and allowance to cover the cost of bringing up the child. The allowance starts from £383 to £440 per week depending on the child’s age. 

Emma Bennett, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Director of Children’s and Adult Services said: “We all want to see children and young people get the best possible start in life, so that they can realise their dreams and fulfil their potential. That’s exactly what being a foster carer for Wolverhampton is all about.

“With currently well over 200 fantastic fostering households, we are very lucky to have so many dedicated foster carers here in our city, but we have more youngsters who are looking for a permanent foster home.
“Fostering can truly be a life-changing experience, both for foster carers and the young person they care for. We'd love to hear from people who have both a spare room and of course love in their heart to give the most vulnerable children and young people in our city a family home.”

For further information, please visit www.fosteringforwolverhampton.com, www.facebook.com/fosteringforwolves or call 01902 551133.