To mark the start of Foster Care Fortnight 2022, Foster4 has launched three sector-leading Support Packages for families who foster with their Local Authority in Cheshire.
The package documents will not only act as invaluable reference guides for existing carers, but as information and inspiration for those thinking about fostering too.
They were formally launched yesterday, Monday, 9th May, at an Afternoon Tea event for carers, which took place at The Hayloft in Widnes.
Halton Borough Council’s Executive Board Member for Children, Young People and Families, Cllr Tom McInerney, said:
‘Our ‘thank you’ event for foster carers was a perfect opportunity for us all to get together, celebrate the fantastic work our carers do and present our enhanced support offer.
Tying in with this year’s Foster Care Fortnight campaign theme of Fostering Communities. We were able to highlight that our support is hyper-local, easily accessible and person-centred.
Our packages set out the 360-degree support we offer to our families who foster- bringing all the services we provide into one place. Each is slightly different – reflecting the strengths of the individual Local Authority.
They detail everything – from the free council tax payments, which applies to all of foster carers in Halton, to a dedicated social worker, to complimentary family gym passes, to 24/7 local out of hours support. Our Supported Lodgings scheme is also showcased along with details of our many support groups.
Each element of this package is another ‘tool’ in our carer’s ‘kit’. Together, they enable them to provide exceptional care to children and young people’.
Foster Carer Ros, who together with husband Warren, celebrated entering her 50th year of fostering at the event, said:
‘We’ve seen the support offer evolve so much over our fostering career. 50 years ago, we were given 50p and a carrier bag of nappies, and not much more! Since Foster4 launched, the development of the support on offer has accelerated significantly. They really do strive to be the best in the sector. We’re extremely proud to foster for our Local Authority with them.’
Thinking about fostering? We’d love to hear from you! Become part of our community of over 450 households who foster with us across Cheshire and change a young life today.
Find out more about the Support Packages and enquire about becoming a foster carer at www.foster4.co.uk or call us on 01925 444100. You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @foster4cheshire