Community

Could you be a foster carer?  

There’s no such thing as a typical foster child, so it goes without saying there’s no such thing as a typical foster carer

The reality is that children from all different backgrounds require a temporary home from time to time in their lives and therefore foster carers from all walks of life are essential to be able to care for some of the most vulnerable children and young people. Playing a pivotal role at the heart of Peterborough City Council’s children’s services is a dedicated team of foster carers who look after the city’s most vulnerable children, supporting their learning and inspiring them to prosper.

In the past year the city council has approved more foster carers than ever before. Since March 2013 it has bolstered the number of foster carers from 114 to 154 and aims to increase this number to 175 this year. However, the search is never over, and the need is such that the city council is constantly looking for potential foster carers to get in touch and find out more.

In a city with higher than average birth rates and where more than 100 languages are spoken, there are lots of opportunities for foster carers from all walks of life who can meet the ever-changing needs of Peterborough’s looked-after children. With a quarter of children in care coming from ethnic minority backgrounds, and almost 60 per cent aged 10 or older, there is a particular requirement for people to care for teenagers and young people for whom English is a second language. The city council is the only agency in the area dedicated to supporting local children and has established itself as the number one choice for residents in and around the city.

It’s no coincidence that as the council’s reputation for protecting its children goes from strength to strength, so does its fostering service, with expressions of interest from prospective carers at an all-time high. Whilst many people simply want to give a local child the opportunity to succeed, many are also beginning to realise why fostering for their local authority makes such a difference to the entire community. Unlike its independent competitors, the city council is a non-profit making organisation, which means every child placed with an in-house carer equals significant cost savings to the council and ultimately taxpayers. This means more money can be reinvested back into front-line services and in supporting the people who need them most.

City council foster carers receive round the clock support from a dedicated professional, ongoing personal development and, as well as a financial allowance, they can access a host of products and services at reduced rates. If that’s not enough, the council’s inclusive approach to recruitment means you stand a better chance of approval than you might with another organisation as it surpassed the national average in 2013.

What is Private Fostering?
Private fostering is when a child is cared for by someone who is not their parent or a close relative. This is a private arrangement made between a parent and carer, for 28 days or more. Close relatives are defined as step-parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, uncles or aunts. If you are part of a private fostering arrangement, or know of one in a professional capacity, it is your duty to let Peterborough City Council know. Families could be missing out on support.

To find out more about fostering for Peterborough City Council, call 01733 317427, visit www.peterboroughfostering.co.uk or you can email

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