Derbyshire residents are being encouraged to make 2022 the year they consider becoming foster carers for Derbyshire County Council.
There are children of all ages and abilities in need of a loving, stable home and anyone who thinks they could change a child’s life this year is encouraged to get in touch with the county council’s fostering team.
Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Safeguarding Councillor Julie Patten said: “Becoming a foster carer is an incredibly rewarding journey and I would encourage local people to consider embarking on that journey today.
“We’re always looking for stable, loving homes for local children and we need foster carers to help change a child’s life this year.
“You’ll be supported every step of the way by our fostering team and we offer training, benefits and financial support if you’re approved.
“If you’re looking to do something amazing in 2022, we’d love to hear from you.”
Current Derbyshire County Council foster carers Rob and Claire said: “The message I would give to any potential foster carer is, do it! This is the best role I’ve ever done.”
Anyone interesting in fostering can find out more at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/fostering or call the council’s friendly fostering team on 0800 083 77 44.
Additional information:
There are many different types of fostering opportunities with Derbyshire County Council which fit around work, family and different lifestyles.
Prospective foster carers receive ongoing support throughout the assessment process plus training, benefits and a competitive package of financial support once they are approved.
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.
Derbyshire is an inclusive authority and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and communities (e.g. 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.