People across Derbyshire are being encouraged to consider becoming a foster carer.
Derbyshire County Council is looking for people across the county to start a rewarding fostering journey to help care for children of all ages in need of a loving, stable home.
Once approved, foster carers receive a competitive package of financial support and there are different types of fostering opportunities which can fit around work or family commitments.
Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Safeguarding, Councillor Julie Patten, said: “Fostering not only changes a local child’s life but is also an opportunity to do something incredibly fulfilling and give back to your local community.
“We know that the last few years have led people to think about doing something more rewarding and I’d encourage anyone who is looking to make a change to consider fostering with us.
“You’ll be supported by our team every step of the way and once approved you’ll receive benefits and financial support.
“If you’re ready to do something more rewarding and could help us change a child’s life – we’d love to hear from you.”
Anyone interested in fostering can find out more at the county council’s next virtual Talk Fostering event on Thursday 31st March. For event information or to find out more about fostering, visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/fostering or call the council’s friendly fostering team on 0800 083 77 44.
Foster carers do not need any special qualifications, they just need to:
- be aged 21 or over with no upper age limit
- have a spare room - or space in their bedroom for a cot for children aged up to two
- go through a few initial checks before they are assessed
- have some experience of caring for children, for example through working with them, through your family and friends or through volunteering
All prospective foster carers receive training and support throughout their foster carer journey.
Derbyshire County Council is an inclusive authority and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and communities, (for example, LGBT+, any ethnicity, race, culture and religion); single or in a relationship, married or civil partnership; you can be in work or not, and either rent or own your home.