This October, Foster Wales Blaenau Gwent is launching a new campaign to challenge one of the most common misconceptions about fostering: that people have to give up work in order to become a foster carer.
The campaign, which will run throughout October, aims to normalise fostering alongside employment and highlight the many ways people can make a difference to a child's life while continuing their career.
There are a number of foster carers in Blaenau Gwent are balancing fostering alongside work, demonstrating that fostering and employment can successfully go hand in hand.
While some people assume fostering requires carers to be available around the clock, the reality is that fostering arrangements vary according to the needs of individual children and families. Foster Wales Blaenau Gwent works closely with carers to identify fostering opportunities that fit their circumstances, availability and existing commitments.
Melissa, Education Professional and Foster Carer for Blaenau Gwent said:
"The stereotypes that surround fostering are rather outdated. Yes, fostering is a full-time job; however, so is being a parent and yet we manage to do that whilst also balancing a professional career."
"I work full-time in education and still balance fostering and respite responsibilities. Not every day will be successful, but every day that you help that child, you are making a difference in their future."
Read Mellissa’s case study: Fostering While Working Full-Time | Melissa's Success Story
Importantly, people who are currently working, or who have worked in the past, often already possess many of the skills needed to become successful foster carers.
Skills developed through careers in education, healthcare, social work, emergency services, administration, retail, hospitality, construction, customer service and many other professions can all be valuable in fostering. Communication, resilience, relationship-building, patience, organisation, advocacy and empathy are qualities that many people use every day in their working lives and can make a significant difference to children and young people in foster care.
Michelle Griffiths, Blaenau Gwent Service Manager - Children’s Services, said:
"One of the biggest myths about fostering is that people have to choose between their career and becoming a foster carer. The reality is that many people successfully combine fostering with employment, and we work closely with every foster carer to understand their circumstances, strengths and availability.
"We recognise the valuable skills that people develop throughout their careers and how those experiences can benefit children and young people. Whether someone works full-time, part-time, flexibly or has recently retired, there may be fostering opportunities that suit their lifestyle. Our role is to help carers find the right opportunity and provide the support they need to succeed."
The campaign will feature stories from local foster carers who have successfully balanced work and fostering, demonstrating that there is no single route into fostering and that people from a wide range of professional backgrounds can make a lasting difference to local children.
Anyone interested in finding out more about fostering with Foster Blaenau Gwent is encouraged to get in touch with the team for an informal conversation about the different types of fostering available and the support on offer.
For more information, visit Foster Wales Blaenau Gwent at https://blaenau-gwent.fosterwales.gov.wales/contact-us/