Slough Foster Care Fortnight, from May 11 to May 24, is an annual awareness campaign, coordinated by the Fostering Network, to raise the profile of fostering.
The fortnight will focus on finding foster carers in Slough who would consider making a career in fostering. Carers who apply will need to attend training and take part in a thorough assessment but once approved will receive a fee of £400 per week for the first child plus a generous maintenance allowance.
In Slough alone, there are nearly 50 children who have had to be placed outside the borough, due to shortages of local foster carers.
This means they are away from their schools and familiar surroundings, because there are not enough foster carers in Slough.
Anyone can become a Slough carer. You can be single, married, of any race or religion, can be renting or owning your own home. The important thing is that you can offer support, guidance and a positive family environment to help children feel secure and valued for however long they are living in your home.
In Slough, there are children from varied racial and cultural backgrounds who need foster care families. These children often do best in families that reflect their heritage, and we therefore welcome enquiries from people from African, Caribbean or Asian communities.
Tina Ryan, Fostering Team Manager for Slough Borough Council, said: “The two weeks will really help to highlight the need for more carers in Slough.
“We know that children in care can benefit enormously from the chance to experience a caring and stable family life. Over the next few weeks we will be asking local people: Could you consider a career that changes lives?
“I hope this campaign allows local people to realise they really could have the basic qualities needed to become great foster carers and I urge people to call us to find out more.
“Anyone thinking about becoming a foster carer will receive help every step of the way from the council.”
For more information, please contact the fostering team 0800 073 0291, email familyplacement@slough.gov.uk or click onto Slough Council’s website.
Slough Borough Council
