MAKING ROOM IN YOUR LIFE FOR CHILDREN OF WAKEFIELD
A new campaign launching in Wakefield this month, is aiming to increase the number of foster carers in the district, as statistics released show a drop in the uptake of carers in the region.
30th March
FOR CHILDREN OF WAKEFIELD
A new campaign launching in Wakefield this month, is aiming to increase the number of foster carers in the district, as statistics released show a drop in the uptake of carers in the region.
With their duly titled campaign, 'Room', Wakefield Metropolitan District Council are working to highlight what's involved in the different routes to fostering, be it short or long-term.
With 350 children in care in the borough, there is still a shortage of foster homes and Wakefield Council are asking if you have “room in your life” to help a child in need to try and decrease the national shortage of 10,000 foster carers.*
Wakefield Council are amongst the top four councils that have scored an outstanding four stars in the annual Corporate Performance Assessments (CPA)** which alongside child services, asseses adult social care, housing, environment, culture and fire and rescue.
Seeking those with patience, determination and a commitment to provide a caring environment for a child, the authorities want to spread the word that, short or long-term, all help is appreciated.
The children in need span from babies, to children to teenagers (from 0-18 years), of perfect health, with learning disabilities, and from troubled backgrounds. Unfortunately there are simply not enough people at present making room for them.
Helping the children to make sense of their world, the commitment involved is balanced by it
being hugely rewarding. “Fostering is a contribution to society which is often overlooked”, said Gail Kennedy, Fostering Team Manager at Wakefield Council. “Everyone has heard of fostering but it's surprising how many people don't really know how it works or the different ways they could be involved as a foster carer.. That's the purpose of our 'Room' campaign – to illustrate the options and involve more local people in caring for the children of Wakefield.”
“We felt the need for this as the number of people coming forward is diminishing and this has a dramatic effect on hundreds of children in the region. People can contribute by offering a room for a short term period of even a few weeks, and to ensure that all children are placed with suitable applicants, a comprehensive application process is carried out.”***
Making a difference to children's lives in the long-term, foster carers are embraced from all ethnic backgrounds, sexualities and religions. From single people to married couples, the target age is from between 30-55 years of age but is something that can be considered by people in their twenties. Unemployed or in full time work, applications are welcomed from across the board to share their own life experiences and individuality.
With financial and emotional support supplied to every carer, training is undertaken by social workers to ensure applicants are emotionally and physically ready to take this step.
Not all people have room in their life on a long-term basis but a contribution can still be made. Seeking to recruit more respite and Connect carers**** who offer part-time care whilst a family gets back on their feet, Wakefield Council want to emphasise the difference that can be made by help on every level.
Katie, age 15, who has been in foster care since she was six years old, said:
“At first I didn’t want to be in care but once I was, being in foster care made me realise that I hadn’t had a life at home. It’s also taught me about how life should be.
“Being in care has helped me with my schoolwork because before, when I was at home, I hardly ever went to school.
“Although coming into foster care isn’t perfect, it’s helped me to face a lot of problems that I had to deal with in my life, and now I have a better understanding of how to deal with things and it has shown me what life should be like.”
Emotionally rewarding whilst also giving something back to the community, foster caring plays a crucial role in achieving positive outcomes for disadvantaged children in our community.
For more information on becoming a foster carer please see www.room-in-wakefield.co.uk where you can access more information to help you on your way to becoming a foster carer.
To speak to someone to find out more please call 0800 197 0320.
Notes to Editor:
*The Times, Saturday 7th March 2009
**Yorkshire Post news, Thursday 5th March 2009
*** The process checks applicants' history, their attitudes and that competences are met
**** Connect care is one of a range of short term break services available to families caring for a disabled child. The breaks can last from a few hours to a few days
Case studies to follow
For more information please contact:
Amy Gregory
Chocolate PR
0113 245 9132
amy@chocolatepr.co.uk
Yorkshire PR Agency of the Year '09
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