Posted on Thursday 13th October 2011
Have you ever considered becoming a foster carer?
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is holding an information evening in Pontypridd next month to help answer the queries of people who may have considered fostering children.
The Foster Care Evening will take place at RCT Homes in Ty Pennant, Pontypridd between 5.45pm and 7.45pm on 17 November 2011.
There will be a short presentation explaining the fostering process and social workers and foster carers will also be available to answer any queries visitors may have.
For this informal event the Council are inviting people who have previously enquired along with any members of the public who simply want to know about what’s involved in becoming a foster carer.
With over 500 children in various types of care throughout the County Borough, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Foster Care Service needs you.
Providing high quality family placements for children and young people whose own families are unable to care them, is the top priority of this busy Council service.
Staff are continually looking for local people to join its team of professional, dedicated foster carers, who can open their homes and lives to children and young people and support them in their everyday lives.
It is Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s policy to do everything possible to enable children and young people to remain with their families even when parents or relatives are struggling to cope.
Sometime this isn’t possible and this is where foster carers play a vital role in looking after children and providing a child with stability, a sense of security and a positive future.
Cllr Annette Davies, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Equalities, explained: “Foster caring is a demanding but hugely rewarding career, welcoming people who have different backgrounds and experiences but share the same commitment to ensure children’s potential is fulfilled.
“It is a massive priority for the authority to find local carers within the county to protect vulnerable young people from the added distress of being removed from their own homes and familiar environments and moved out of the South Wales area because there are no available carers in the County Borough.
“Inevitably this leads to a disruption in their schooling, a breakdown of peer relationships and limited contact with their community and families, and we want more people within our County Borough to consider this life changing and incredibly rewarding experience of becoming a foster carer.
“We hope plenty of people attend the Fostering Evening to they can have a better understanding of the process involved and what would be expected of them – it may also help dispel many of the myths surrounding fostering and help people understand how hugely rewarding the experience can be.”
Rhondda Cynon Taf already boasts 153 foster carers from all walks of life, including single carers, retired couples, families and same sex couples.
All carers receive professional support and training including fist aid, children protection and fire safety, with the chance to secure formal qualifications in childcare. There are generous fees and allowances, and incentives such as free leisure access for all the family.
Nationally, there is a shortage of over 10,000 carers in the UK with almost 5,000 children living in foster care in Wales alone.
Potential carers don’t need to own their own property, but will need a spare bedroom. Many people who become foster carers do not have children of their own. They will also have access to support 24 hours a day, seven days a week with a social worker allocated to both the carer and child alike.
If you want to know more about how to become a foster carer or for details on the Fostering Information Evening, then contact the Council’s Fostering Team on 0800 085 26 35.