In Swindon, over 120 children and young people find themselves living miles away from family and friends due to a shortage of local foster carers.
Swindon Borough Council acknowledges this challenge and is actively seeking compassionate individuals willing to step forward and explore the world of foster caring.
Children placed in foster care may experience a range of durations, from short-term stays to more extended periods, dictated by the specific needs of the child. Foster carers play a crucial role, offering not only a loving home but also providing emergency support and respite care.
As of July this year, over 300 children, spanning from infants to teenagers, were under the care of the Council, unable to remain in their own homes. Shockingly, 41% of these children had to be placed more than 20 miles away, highlighting the critical need for local carers.
Meet ten-year-old Max, removed from his family due to neglect and physical aggression, Max, with complex needs requiring therapeutic support, found himself relocated over 100 miles away from Swindon. His story represents the challenges faced by many children in need of caring homes.
The Council’s foster carers share stories of joy and transformation. Caroline, fostering for less than a year, expresses the profound impact on the young person in her care. She reflects, “The most rewarding part is seeing the change in the children—when you see them becoming a part of the family and feeling comfortable and at home.”
Sharon, fostering for several years, describes fostering as a journey filled with laughter and joy, celebrating every small achievement in overcoming challenges, saying “Fostering to me is a lot of laughter and joy, with the pleasure of celebrating each and every small reward of seeing them overcome challenges. There are no words to express how you feel as you watch a child achieve even the smallest thing.”
Forty-two-year-old Chris, notes the positive experience of the ‘Men Who Foster’ support group, “Since transferring to Swindon from an Independent Fostering Agency we have been very impressed with the diversity and frequency of training available to carers. The ‘Men Who Foster’ support group is a new and positive experience. We are able to support the young people who stay with us for short breaks in their home town and facilitate family time and schools locally” he said.
Councillor Paul Dixon, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, encourages potential carers, assuring them they will never be alone on this rewarding journey. The Council, recognizing the dedication of foster carers, has increased basic allowances, with payments of up to £708 per child per week.
Foster carers, drawn from diverse backgrounds and circumstances, contribute significantly to the community. Regardless of marital status, sexual orientation, or employment status, anyone with a spare bedroom, good health, and the age of 21 or over can make a difference in a child’s life.
Interested individuals can attend informative sessions hosted by the fostering team on October 10th and October 25th. For more details, visit Swindon Borough Council’s fostering page, call 07917 503447, or email fosteringrecruitment@swindon.gov.uk.
