Foster: Be there for the moments that matter

You could be using your life experiences and skills to do something amazing; you could be fostering.

Foster for Doncaster, the council’s fostering service, is looking for people to be there for a child at a time when they need it the most.

Wayne had been a police officer in South Yorkshire and Jo had spent over 15 years working with children and young people with special educational needs. These experiences have helped the couple to embrace their roles as foster carers. In just two years they have helped care for 9 children and supported other foster carers, by providing respite care, giving them a chance to recharge their batteries.

Jo says, “I have worked with so many children and their families and bringing up my four children on my own means I have a toolbox of diversion and redirection skills at hand, which have helped me as a foster carer.”

For Wayne working in policing, meant he has supported children and families from different cultures and backgrounds: “These core skills allow me to remain professional and impartial to a variety of situations that may arise. As a foster carer, we are here to care for and love the children, not to judge or question the families.”

As a foster carer, you’ll receive a competitive allowance, giving many carers like Jo the freedom to give up their job and focus on fostering full-time. With Jo as the main carer, it also means Wayne has been able to continue his career although he still plays an active role in supporting the children. Wayne says, “The smile, the cuddle and the settled little person who gradually begins to learn how to trust again makes everything worthwhile.”

Supporting you to care

Fostering is not without its challenges. At Foster for Doncaster, we are here to support you to care. Our in-depth training will help you to build on your existing skills and the recruitment team will be there for you throughout the application process. Once approved, as well as having access to ongoing training, you will also have your own dedicated worker as well as the wider fostering community who are there to support you every step of the way.

Wayne and Jo said: “Our introduction to fostering and journey to approval was thorough yet had the personal touch, with consistent reassurance throughout the whole process.

“We are fortunate to have an amazing supervising social worker, she always goes above and beyond to help support us. Nothing is too much trouble.”
Being a foster carer is a professional and skilled role, all our foster carers receive a competitive support package. As a foster carer, you are also self-employed and qualify for a tax-relief on some of the income you receive.

Why foster?

For Jo it is simple, “Fostering is the best job in the world! Being able to make a difference in these young people’s lives is simply the best. We keep them safe show them how to love and be loved and prepare them for the next stage of their journey, be that adoption or returning them to family. Simply loving them all and seeing them flourish is all the reward we need.”

Foster for Doncaster

Children of all ages, from babies to teens need people like you to foster. There are lots of ways you can Foster for Doncaster. If you have the flexibility in your work, you can continue to work and foster, perhaps you are nearing retirement or looking to do something completely different. Just like Wayne and Jo, you could be using your professional skills to help children to thrive.

Foster for Doncaster, start your journey today!

Visit:  Fosterfordoncaster.gov.uk

Email: FosterFor@doncaster.gov.uk

Call:    01302 737 789