Calls for more foster parents

There are calls more foster parents to support vulnerable children in Herefordshire and South Wales.

Statistics show that thousands of foster parents are needed throughout the UK this year to support vulnerable children. Despite the numbers of fostering households and foster carers in England being at their highest ever levels, the increases are not keeping up with demand for loving, caring homes for children and young people. 

Who are Family Fostering Partners? 

Family Fostering Partners are an independent fostering agency with family values at its very core. With offices in Herefordshire and South Wales, this local agency has the best possible outcomes for the children in their care at the forefront of their minds. Judith Rees, Managing Director explains ‘We are dedicated to recruiting, training and supporting foster parents to be the very best they can be. We deliver services in the cities, towns and villages where our carers live, helping us to give back to the communities in which we operate.’ 

Davin O’Keefe is a care experienced individual who can testify to the fantastic support his foster parents received whilst fostering with Family Fostering Partners, he says ‘Without their input, their support, and their kindness in my life, I don’t know where I would be today. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them. The main thing for me that made me happy was being part of a family. As well as having them two, I also had extended family; their family. It meant a lot to me. After being in care and moving around different homes, I had finally found the family and a place where I belonged.”

What stops people from fostering?

Contrary to popular belief, you do not need any qualifications to be a foster parent. As long as you have a spare room, and room in your heart, Family Fostering Partners will provide you with the rest of the support you need. With a 24/7 on call support service, regular support groups, fantastic training and your own dedicated supervising worker, you’ll be part of the family in no time! 

Financial worries are another reason people may decide not to foster; but fostering is a paid role. To help to alleviate any financial worries that people may have, Family Fostering Partners offer a unique financial support scheme ‘Be There To Care’; click here for more info.

Foster Parent CJ Thomas explains “I made a decision to give up my full-time job in senior management to foster. It was the best thing we have ever done. We think the reality is that people don’t understand how easy it is with the support you can have from an agency. It makes it the most fun, rewarding job you can do.”

How can I find out more? 

If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, please head to www.familyfosteringpartners.co.uk or call us on 03300 948816. You can also contact Family Fostering Partners on Facebook, Twitter on Instagram. Just search ‘Family Fostering Partners’ and send us a message!