Foster carers make a significant difference to the lives of children and young people in Knowsley, helping them to flourish and achieve their full potential. Every day, foster carers provide safe and loving homes for children of all ages who, for a variety of reasons, are not able to live with their own family for a period of time.
Could you provide short breaks for children and young people with complex needs?
Short breaks fostering is a rewarding way to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and young people with additional needs and disabilities, while also providing vital support to their parents or carers.
Short breaks foster carers give children the opportunity to form new relationships, experience new activities, and develop their skills, confidence and independence. At the same time, they offer families or full-time carers a chance to rest and recharge, helping them continue their day-to-day caring responsibilities.
Being a foster carer is home-based and flexible, utilising your skills to make a positive impact on the lives of children and young people.
In return, you will receive a generous allowance for the care you provide along with a range of additional support including specialist training and development, an experienced ‘buddy mentor’, access to a range of support including an online foster carer hub and a named nurse to support with health and wellbeing.
In addition, foster carers and their families can benefit from group activity days and regular events, exclusive offers and discounts such as equipment and health and wellbeing support.
Who can foster?
There are no special qualifications or experience needed to be a great foster carer. You just need to have love, care and patience. Age, sexuality, disability, wealth and marital status are no barrier to becoming a foster carer.
In fact, we are looking for a wide variety of people from all walks of life to join our fostering family in Knowsley.
How does it work?
Short breaks fostering is ideal if you want to make a difference but can’t commit to full-time fostering. It’s especially suited to those with experience working with vulnerable children or children with special educational needs and disabilities – whether through parenting or a professional role. However, specialist and bespoke training is provided to ensure you feel fully confident and equipped to care for the child you are partnered with.
All foster carers in Knowsley receive fantastic support from a team of social workers, a package of ongoing training and round-the-clock advice when it’s needed. They also receive a generous allowance for the care provided.
Cllr Sean Donnelly, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said “Being a foster carer provides invaluable help and support to children of all ages – from babies through to teenagers. Providing short breaks to children and young people with complex needs provides invaluable support to them and you become a partner family, providing pre-arranged overnight and weekend care to a child on a regular basis – usually one weekend per month.
“Short breaks carers offer a fun, nurturing and supportive environment for a child, providing opportunities to enjoy new experiences. This might include simple activities like baking, visiting the park, or assisting with personal care and communication skills.
“Plus being part of Knowsley’s foster care family means you have a network of support around you – through other foster carers, mentors, our staff and a range of professionals including nurses. If you think you can provide a loving home to a Knowsley child, please do get in touch with us.”
Interested to find out more?
Call Foster4Knowsley for an informal chat on 03456 460098 or email enquiry@foster4.co.uk
You can also visit the Foster4Knowsley website for more information.