Residents are being encouraged to make 2023 the year they do something amazing for a local child by becoming a foster carer for Derbyshire County Council.
There are children of all ages 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. There are different types of fostering to suit different existing obligations or commitments and you’ll be financially supported when a child is placed with you.
Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Safeguarding, Councillor Julie Patten, said: “If you’ve been thinking about doing something more rewarding, we’re encouraging residents to consider making 2023 the year you start your fostering journey.
“We’re always looking for stable, loving homes for local children and we need foster carers from all walks of life to help change a child’s life this year. You’ll be supported every step of the way by our fostering team and once approved you’ll receive benefits and financial support.
“If you’re looking to do something amazing in 2023, we’d love to hear from you.”
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 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 likely to have a spare bedroom in the future – 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 volunteering or looking after family members or friends’ children
Derbyshire County Council 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.