That is the question being asked of Northamptonshire residents as Northamptonshire County Council launches an urgent appeal for foster carers for children over the age of 10.
The new countywide campaign aims to help bring stability into the lives of older children by urging local individuals or families to foster over 10s. Councillor Andrew Grant, cabinet member for children, learning and skills, emphasises that fi nding foster families for older children is now top priority as there is an urgent need for at least 20 foster carers to give local children aged between ten and 18 the supportive homes they need to help them through a period of disruption in their life’s journey. These children are at a crucial stage in their lives and, just like younger children, they need care and support to help them negotiate through a challenging period.
Fostering older children and teenagers has quite specifi c benefi ts for people who prefer not to have the physical dependencies of a baby or toddler and who would enjoy interaction with a young person. By giving these children a home in your family and helping them make important decision in their life you will be making a huge difference to their future and in return – you will have a hugely rewarding career.
Finding foster carers for older children is a challenging task common to local authorities across the country. There are currently 511 children and young people in foster care in Northamptonshire and more than half of them, 276, are over the age of 10.
Foster carers receive an allowance to cover caring for a child and are paid. They receive support from the county council’s dedicated fostering team as well as a full training package.
To fi nd out more about fostering at the following information events, simply turn up with no advance booking required. The events will all take place at John Dryden House, The Lakes, Bedford Road, Northampton, NN4 7YD, from 7pm to 9pm on the following dates:
Wednesday 11th January
Wednesday 8th February
Wednesday 14th March
Wednesday 18th April
Wednesday 23rd May
Wednesday 13th June
Wednesday 11th July
Wednesday 12th September
Wednesday 10th October
Wednesday 14th November
Wednesday 12th December
Anyone who would like to fi nd out more can contact the council’s fostering team on 0300 126 1009 or go to www.fosterme.co.uk
