Appeal for foster carers

Derbyshire County Council is looking for foster carers in order to keep brothers and sisters in its care together.

The authority say it is committed to keeping siblings together, so they can grow up as a family and support each other during their time in care. 

Cllr Alex Dale, DCC's Cabinet Member for Young People, said: "We’re always looking for foster carers for children of all ages but we currently have a particular need for people who can help us keep the brothers and sisters in our care together.

"These children have had a difficult start in life in a challenging family situation and we don’t want to add to that by splitting them up from their siblings.

"Derbyshire foster carers who look after siblings tell us they can see what a comfort it is for them to remain together and we’re keen to offer these foster family homes wherever possible – but we need more carers to do that.

"Sibling foster carers transform lives for young children and play a vitally important role in maintaining family relationships which can help to give them the best start in life and the happiest possible future." 

The county council say there are many different types of fostering opportunities which fit around work, family and different lifestyles.

Approved foster carers receive ongoing support throughout the assessment process plus training, benefits and a competitive package of financial support once they are approved. Derbyshire foster carers who foster three or more siblings also receive additional payments.

Foster carers do not need any special qualifications, they just need to:
• Be aged 21 or over with no upper age limit
• Have a spare room
• Go through a few initial checks before they are assessed
• Have some experience of caring for children

Derbyshire County Council will consider foster carers who are:
• Of any sexual orientation or gender identity
• Married, single, in a civil partnership, living with a partner, divorced or widowed
• A home-owner or renting
• Of any religion or no religion
• Employed or not working
• Of any ethnicity
• Disabled
• With or without children already
• With children still living at home

The council hosts regular ‘Talk Fostering’ drop-in events where people thinking about fostering can talk to experienced foster carers and the authority’s friendly foster carer recruitment team.

People can find out more about fostering and apply at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/fostering.