A new campaign is being launched this November to find foster homes for 23 children and young people who live in the Devizes area.
Businesses, charities, faith leaders and organisations will be sharing the message asking local people to consider becoming a foster carer.
Conservative led Wiltshire Council began targeting local areas this summer starting with Trowbridge. It's now hoping the campaign for the Devizes area will help local people who are thinking about fostering to take the next step by finding out more.
The Kinship and Fostering team from Wiltshire Council will be available to chat at the Devizes market on 4 and 18 November. There will also be an online information session for those wanting to find out more on Tuesday 30 November at 7:30pm and people can join on Teams.
The council wants to recruit 100 additional foster carers by spring 2023. So far 52 additional fostering families have joined the council since the campaign began in May 2020 and the quest continues to find another 48. Fostering with your local council means all money is spent on frontline services and the child is more likely to be able to stay close to their school, friends and family networks.
Conservatives Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, said:
Devizes has a great community spirit and I know there will be people out there who have been thinking about fostering and taking that step. I would urge you to go and meet our team on market day, join our information session or call us directly to find out more. There is absolutely no obligation, just a chance to find out about what fostering with Wiltshire Council can mean for you.
We have 23 young people in care in the Devizes area who will benefit from a warm home, care and attention. Our foster carers do an amazing job however we always need more people to step forward and take up this vital role. In return we provide you with the support and training you need and the right payments so you can make this your vocation. Even if people are not ready just now we still want to hear from you so we can give you a clear picture of fostering and how it can make a real difference to a young person's life.
People can also watch a video of Cllr Mayes explaining why we are asking people to consider fostering.
Foster carers need to be over 21 years of age, have a spare bedroom, time to care for a child and a willingness to care and seek to understand young people who have experienced trauma and loss.
People who foster with Wiltshire Council are given training and continued support. Payments reflect the commitment carers are making to the role. There are different fostering schemes available ranging from £350 to £650 a week, depending on people's skills and experience.
For more information visit Ffostering Wiltshire, email [email protected], call 0800 169 6321 or text the word Foster to 60002.
