Type=image;ImageID=10892;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Mayor Councillor Barry Findlay;TitleClass=strong;
He joined existing foster carers and social workers at Fostering for Wolverhampton's latest roadshow in Queen Square on Fostering Friday (7 October, 2016) to give his backing to the new "Best Thing About Fostering" campaign.
Launched by the City of Wolverhampton Council last month, the appeal highlights the real life experiences of carers in Wolverhampton who have shared what they think the best thing about being a foster carer is.
Mayor Councillor Barry Findlay said: "I was delighted to meet some of our dedicated foster carers and hear about the fantastic support they give to vulnerable children and young people in Wolverhampton.
"More than 200 people, including individuals and couples, already foster for Wolverhampton, but we always need more and I would encourage people who have ever considered fostering to seize the moment and find out more about this vitally important role."
There are lots of reasons why people decide to foster, and the "Best Thing" campaign showcases some of them. One carer said the best thing about fostering was seeing her foster child "blossom into a lovely little boy", while another said it was "seeing their confidence increase and their behaviour improve at school".
One carer said the best thing about fostering was "that these children have been able to experience a loving, supportive family environment" while another said it had "made us go back to our family values."
Foster carers can be single, married or in a relationship and help and support is available 24 hours a day. Placements can be anything from a few days to a number of years, and they receive a regular, tax exempt allowance to cover the cost of bringing up the child.
Councillor Val Gibson, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "Our foster carers receive 6 months' support from experienced carers who will guide them through the system, and we also provide intensive support for the first six weeks of a placement and every month thereafter.
"The Fostering for Wolverhampton team are keen to speak to people who are interested in becoming fostering, so please contact them as soon as possible."
For more information about fostering for Wolverhampton, please visit Type=links;Linkid=7567;Title=Fostering;Target=_blank;, call 01902 551133 or search Fostering for Wolves on Facebook.
- released: Monday 10 October, 2016