With the New Year underway, many people may be considering what they want to do in the year ahead.
For people who are thinking about a change, Rochdale Borough Council are asking those residents to consider becoming a foster carer. They are keen to hear of people who can offer a family home to a youngster and have experience working, or caring for, young people and children.
Foster carers come from a wide variety of backgrounds and no specific qualifications are required. However, potential applicants will need determination, plenty of empathy and a desire to make a difference to a child who has had a difficult start in life.
There is a particular need for carers who can care for older children, help to keep brothers and sisters together, or care for children from black and minority ethnic backgrounds.
24 hour a day support, full training and ongoing career development are provided. Generous allowances are paid to foster carers to enable them to care for children in their own home.
Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families, Councillor Donna Martin said, "If you've been thinking of fostering for a while, the start of the new year is a great time to finally make that move and get in touch with us. It could be the start of a tremendously rewarding career in fostering."
Rebecca White, foster carer since April 2011 said: “I’m really enjoying fostering and I’m glad I decided to change to something that’s been so worthwhile. It’s rewarding looking after children and helping families turn things around. It’s hard work but every bit of it is worth the effort.”
A fostering information evening is being held on 23 February at Rochdale Town Hall from 7pm – 9pm. Call to book your place on 01706 922422 or email fostering@rochdale.gov.uk
