With Foster Care Fortnight 2019 upon us, Blaenau Gwent Fostering teams are looking to recruit new mainstream foster carers that would love to make a positive difference in children’s lives.
Taking place from 13 May until 26 May, Foster Care Fortnight™ is the UK’s biggest foster care awareness raising campaign.
Thousands of new foster families are needed every year to care for children, with the greatest need being for foster carers for older children, sibling groups, disabled children and unaccompanied asylum seeking children.
Looked after children in Blaenau Gwent are placed in various fostering arrangements which can include; respite and mainstream care. In addition to this, parent and child foster placements are becoming increasingly more common due an increase in court requests.
Blaenau Gwent council are also looking for carers who can offer placements on a lodgings basis for young people who are in employment, college or university as a stepping stone towards independence, and foster carers that can foster young sibling groups.
Blaenau Gwent are also looking for more therapeutic foster carers who could support young people with complex needs.
If you think fostering may be for you and your family, the Fostering team has organised a meet and greet event that will take place on Tuesday 14 May at the Learning Action Centre, James St, Ebbw Vale from 4:00pm until 6:00pm. (no appointment required)
During the session you will be able to have an in-depth conversation with members of the fostering team and existing foster carers to learn more about the fostering process and the range of benefits available.
Executive Member for Social Services, Cllr John Mason said, ‘With the current demand for looked after children in Blaenau Gwent we are always looking to recruit new foster carers. For those who are thinking about fostering I would urge you to go along and meet with the placement team at one of their many drop in sessions over the next fortnight. If you think you can give a safe and stable home to a child or young person then I’d urge you to get in touch. The team are there to support you every step of the way.
To find out more about fostering call the Blaenau Gwent Placement Team on 01495 357792 or visit our fostering pages on the Blaenau Gwent website.