Foster Care Fortnight 2013 is taking place from Monday 13th May to Friday 31st May with the Council joining The Fostering Network in its annual campaign to raise the profile of fostering.
At any one time, there are around 150 young people in the care of Bath & North East Somerset Council, with 80 carer families currently providing much-needed support.
Carers offer a safe environment for young people to be when, for whatever reason, they are unable to live with their own family. Their task includes offering a range of opportunities to help young people achieve their full potential, in all aspects of their lives.
Fostering can present many challenges but many rewards too.
The Council’s Family Placement Team is always keen to hear from people interested in finding out more about fostering and during this year’s Foster Care Fortnight 2013, information stands will be held at:
- The Hollies, Midsomer Norton, Thursday 16th May 11am-1pm
- Tesco, Keynsham , Monday 20th May 12noon-2pm
- The Southgate Shopping Centre, Bath, Thursday 23rd May 10am-3pm
Carer families can choose which age group of child best fits their family circumstances and also whether they can offer periods of respite, short term care or a longer term commitment, seeing a young person through to independence.
Cllr Dine Romero (Lib-Dem, Southdown), Cabinet Member for Early Years, Children and Youth, said: “Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Fostering Service was rated as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in their last inspection. A big part of this success is down to the dedication and skilled commitment of our carer families. We’d love to welcome even more families to join us and we encourage anyone interested in fostering to come along and find out more.”
Cllr Rob Appleyard, the Chairman of the Council, recently hosted a lunchtime reception for the Council’s foster carers at the Guildhall, which was attended by approximately 40 carers.
Cllr Appleyard added: “Fostering is not just about looking after a child; it is also about embracing the child’s family and working alongside other professionals. We are hugely indebted to carers for the time and energy they put into the role – often in challenging circumstances.”
For more information about adoption and fostering, phone the Family Placement Team on 01225 394949, email [email protected] or visit www.bathnes.gov.uk/adoption.
