This Foster Care Fortnight TM (15th-28th May), The Fostering Network, the UK’s leading fostering charity, and local authority fostering services like Foster Wales RCT are calling on the wider business community to lend their support and make it easier for their employees to combine fostering and working.
According to the Fostering Network, nearly 40% of foster carers combine fostering with other work and their ‘fostering friendly’ policy encourages employers to provide flexibility and time off for employees who are prospective foster carers and are going through the application process.
The scheme also supports employees who are already foster carers, to allow time off for training, attendance at panels, to settle a new child into their home and to respond to any emergencies which may arise.
Having the support of an employer may make the vital difference in the decision of an employee to become a foster carer.
Head of Foster Wales, Alastair Cope, said: “As the need for foster carers continues to grow, we need our community in Wales to step up. We know that when children stay connected, stay local and have someone to stick by them for the long term, we see better outcomes. So, if employers in Wales can support their employees in becoming foster carers, local authorities can help more children stay connected to their roots and ultimately, support them towards better futures.”
Councillor Gareth Caple, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Cabinet Member for Health & Social Care, said: “As the local authority we are responsible for all children who need foster care, and we as corporate parents can support our foster carers who also work for the council by offering some flexibility and support in the workplace, that’s why we’ve introduced a fostering friendly policy at Rhondda Cynon Taf County Council .
“Reaching out to local employers to be fostering friendly is one of many things we are doing to support our foster carers across Rhondda Cynon Taf."
If you run a local business and would like to join us in becoming a fostering friendly employer, get in touch with us. To find out more about becoming a foster carer in Wales visit rctfosterwales.gov.wales
Posted on 19/05/2023