People who feel they have the capacity to open up a room in their home to a child in need of a safe place to stay are being urged to come forward in Plymouth, where foster carers are in worryingly short supply.
There are over 500 children awaiting foster placement within Plymouth Council’s area, many of whom are in desperate need of a warm, welcoming home and some stability in their lives. Unfortunately, there are only a little over 100 fostering families registered with the council.
What do you need to become a foster carer?
Anyone who is interested in foster care Barry, Plymouth, or elsewhere in the UK needs to be over the age of 21 and have a spare bedroom on their property. The potential foster carer should also be able to demonstrate a genuine desire to help children, and to have the patience and empathy to support the child with their wellbeing, according to GOV.UK.
Is there any financial support for foster carers?
Being a foster carer is a wonderful thing to do – you’re giving a child who may have had a difficult start in life essential support, plus a safe place to live while they await a more permanent home. But this doesn’t come without its costs. Food can be expensive, and you may be required to provide some of the basics, such as toiletries and some clothing.
To this end, financial support of £350 – £779 per week is available to fostering families to cover the necessary costs associated with fostering and to provide a financial incentive, too. Additionally, fostering families may be entitled to either a 50% or 100% reduction on their council tax bill while a foster child is residing with them.
If you’d like further information or support with the fostering application process, or even if you’re just considering foster care in Barry or your nearest location, consult a specialist agency. Fostering may be a wonderful life choice, not just for the child, but for you as well.