Blaenau Gwent Council are happy to announce we are now a Fostering Friendly employer – a programme by The Fostering Network, which helps organisations to actively support fostering, and in particular, foster carer employees.
We have implemented a policy to make a real difference to our employees who foster, and support others in becoming approved foster carers themselves.
The Council offer a flexible working pattern to foster carers and those going through the application process, who can access a minimum of five days extra paid leave for their fostering commitments.
These involve meetings with social workers and other agencies, attending training, settling young people into their new home and more.
The Fostering Network is the UK’s leading fostering charity.
Their executive chair, Mervyn Erskine says ‘becoming a Fostering Friendly employer is something to be really proud of. Foster carers are the bedrock of children’s social care – for the difference they make to the lives of children. It is important that this vital role is not only recognised, but also encouraged by their employers.
By supporting existing foster carers and promoting the role to other employees, this helps to build on the thousands of extra fostering households needed in the UK, for the children who need them most.
The scheme is free to join and suitable for organisations of any size – please get in touch with The Fostering Network to join the growing number of Fostering Friendly employers.’
There’s a national shortage of 9,265 fostering households, and Blaenau Gwent is no exception.
The fostering community is open to people from all walks of life, no matter your age, gender, relationship status or sexual orientation. If you are considering fostering, please get in touch with your local fostering service to find out more.
You can visit the Foster Wales Blaenau Gwent website Fosterwales.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk or email us at fostering@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk
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