Could you open your door to a vulnerable child or young person? Someone who wasn’t lucky enough to have had a safe and stable home life.
Dorset Council is proud to support Foster Care Fortnight, the annual campaign from The Fostering Network to raise awareness of fostering and celebrate the fostering community.
The theme for the fortnight is #WhyWeCare, and is taking place from 10-23 May.
The whole fostering community, from foster carers to fostering services as well as children and young people in care, are being encouraged to step up and tell the world #WhyWeCare.
18 months ago, Kayleigh decided it was time to stop ‘thinking about fostering’ and just go for it! She had always wanted to foster, but the timing had not felt right. As a single parent of a four – year old girl, she wanted to break away from her career in banking, spend time with her daughter and make a real difference in someone else’s life.
Kayleigh is now fostering a 15-year-old girl and is pleased that she will be with them long term. She said: “This is literally the happiest I have ever been!
“Lucy has integrated so well and has said herself that she feels like part of the family. My daughter and her call each other sisters, and they have a great relationship.
“Over the past year she has become so much more confident, and I am proud of her and how she has managed everything. She is now working as an apprentice in childcare and on her way to becoming an independent adult. I have gained another family member for life.
“I haven’t looked back since I started fostering. It’s been the best life choice I have ever made and even my young daughter talks about being a foster carer when she grows up!”
Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council Portfolio holder for Children, Education and Early Help, said: “All children deserve a stable loving home, so this Foster Care Fortnight the council is stepping up its campaign to recruit more.
“Our foster carers do a fantastic job looking after and, in many cases, changing the lives of our vulnerable children.
“There are options to offer both short or long term care and support for young people. Enquiries are welcome from people over the age of 21 who can open their hearts and their home to a young person in need. We provide a comprehensive training and development programme and foster carers also receive financial support in recognition of the skills required and the costs involved in caring for a young person.
“Lockdown circumstances over the past year, however difficult, may also have given people a chance to consider fostering, as people stay at home more and perhaps think about changes in their lives and careers.
“Fostering is an incredibly rewarding experience and the council is there to offer support every step of the way.
“If you think you could make a difference – please get in touch.”
Find out more at fosterindorset.com
Email: fosteringenquiries@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Tel: 01305 225568
