Today is the start of Foster Care Fortnight (13th – 24th May) – a national campaign run by the Fostering Network, aiming to celebrate the great work foster carers do to change our foster children's futures, bust myths on who can foster, and help raise awareness of the ongoing need for new foster carers.
This Foster Care Fortnight Bucks County Council is sharing how its carers and staff have changed a child's future; you can watch some of their moving stories here.
Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Warren Whyte explains:
"Right now, we have over 500 vulnerable children in the care of Buckinghamshire County Council many of whom need a foster home. Unfortunately there are still so many myths out there that are preventing people who might be single, from a particular religious background or the LGBT+ community, from contacting us."
"Foster Care Fortnight is a great opportunity to welcome everyone who is interested in fostering to enquire about Fostering with Bucks. Fostering not only changes a child's future, but enriches foster carers' lives too in ways they perhaps couldn't have predicted. If you know someone who could change a child's life, we'd love to hear from them."
Keely, who grew up in the care of a Buckinghamshire County Council foster carer reveals how fostering has the power to change futures:
"I have got the best foster parents in the world who have given me the best opportunity in life and are very supportive. Please help another child in need and give them a chance."
This Foster Care Fortnight, you are invited to join us at a series of events we are hosting across the county to help you find out more about fostering and the specialist training, generous allowances and excellent support we offer to all our foster carers.
If you think fostering could be for you or someone you know, why not drop in to one of Bucks' events in the area? A number of drop-in sessions are scheduled in the following locations, with more dates to be confirmed:
- Tesco Extra Loudwater, Wycombe – Wednesday 15th May (3pm – 6pm)
- Harris + Hoole, Buckingham – Friday 17th May (10am – 12pm)
- Tesco Extra Broadfield, Aylesbury – Friday 24th May (2pm – 6pm)
Call Bucks County Council to find out more or for additional venue information as announce more information sessions are announced. Please contact: Morwenna Bargrove, on 01296 382444 or out-of-hours on 07825 430978
Recently approved foster carers Lynne and Patrizia give us an insight into their experience of the application process:
"We felt welcome and accepted by the Bucks council foster team. They have created a safe, open and supportive environment for foster applicants. We appreciated the professional and high quality three-day training that was offered early in the assessment procedure... just take the leap and apply, regardless of any worries or preconceptions you may have. You may be that perfect match for a child who is waiting to find a caring home."
The next information event will be held on Wednesday 29th May, 7pm at Buckingham Opportunities Centre, Well Street, Buckingham, MK18 1EN – you can book your place here.
Why not come along and ask your questions and find out if you could help change a future.
