Could You Foster A Child?
Could You Foster A Child?
Tameside is currently looking for Foster Carers who could look after children aged 9 to 16 years old.
Right now, there are children in Tameside who are going through a difficult time in their lives and need stability, love and care. You can help by fostering a child. This page tells you a little more about what fostering is and how you can foster a child through Tameside Fostering Service
- What is fostering?
- Why are foster carers needed?
- Who can foster a child?
- What support will you receive?
- Are you interested in fostering?
What is fostering?
Fostering is different from adoption - it's about providing care on a temporary basis. This could be for a few days, a month or longer (see the different types of fostering). The majority of children and young people who are fostered are eventually able to return to their own families.
Why are foster carers needed?
Fostering is about helping local children and young people get through an emergency or a crisis.
In some cases a child's parents may be ill or having relationship problems. In others, the reasons may be more complicated. Whatever the reason, the child needs to be cared for in a supportive and nurturing environment.
Tameside Children's Social Care needs foster carers for all ages of children but especially for children over ten years old, for brothers and sisters, and for children with special health and educational needs.
Who can foster a child?
You can foster if you:
- want to help a child grow and develop during a difficult time
- have some time - anything from a few hours a week to a few months or even longer - to care for a child
- can demonstrate the ability to work as part of a team which includes the child's parents and social worker.
It doesn't matter if you:
- are a young professional or you are retired
- are married, divorced, single, living with your partner or in a same sex relationship
- do/don't have children of your own
- own or rent your home - you just need to have a spare bedroom or be able to provide appropriate arrangements.
- are/aren't working
We welcome enquiries from people from all walks of life.
What support will you receive?
We will be with you all the way, offering support, guidance and advice. Don't worry you won't be on your own.
Training:
You will receive basic training and once you have been approved to become a foster carer (look at the assessment process), we offer a full calendar of training and the opportunity to study for an NVQIII Child Care award.
Support:
24 hour support is available to carers. In addition, you will have your own Fostering Supervising worker and your foster child will have their own social worker. There are regular support groups where carers meet and we organise a number of events throughout the year.
Financial Rewards:
All carers receive non-taxable allowances to cover the cost of caring for a child. You will also receive a weekly fee for your skills as foster carers.
Are you interested in fostering?
Care to foster? If you are interested in fostering a child, please contact us. A member of our team will be more than happy to answer all your questions.
If you would like some more information please contact the Fostering Team:
Complete a online form to register your interest.
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 Send us a Message |
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 0161 368 8865
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 0161 368 8642
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