Kent welcomes call for more foster carers
20 December 2011
Kent County Council is backing a Fostering Network campaign for new
foster carers.
The fostering charity estimates that 8,750 new foster families
need to be found across the United Kingdom during the next 12
months. Between April 2011 and March 2012, KCC set a target to
recruit 120 new foster carers and is on course to achieve this.
KCC’s Fostering Service offers a range
of benefits including comprehensive training and generous
allowances, along with supervision and on-going support.
Jenny Whittle, KCC Cabinet Member for
Specialist Children Services, said: “I welcome any opportunity to
celebrate the work of our 700 foster carers and invite those
considering fostering to come forward. Our recruitment campaigns
have been successful in recent years but I am keen to attract more
carers across Kent, particularly in north and west Kent and Dover,
so that we can keep children as close as we can to their family
home."
“Fostering is an immensely rewarding vocation and here in Kent
we offer a good induction and initial training, competitive
professional payments and on-going development and support.
Individuals or families considering becoming foster carers, can
call to find out more or come along to one of our information
evenings.”
People interested in fostering can telephone 0845 330 2968 or
attend one of the three information evenings that have been planned
in the New Year:
- Monday 16 January 2012 at St Teresa's
Church Hall, Maidstone Road, Ashford, Kent. TN24
8TX
- Tuesday 7 February 2012 at College Hall,
Dartford Grammar School for Girls, Shepherds
Lane, Dartford, Kent. DA1 2NT
- Wednesday 14 March 2012 at
The Ark, Noah's Ark Road, Dover, Kent. CT17
0DD
The sessions run from 7:00pm to 8:30pm. After a short
presentation at 7:00pm, there is an opportunity to speak to foster
carers and ask any questions.