Why we need Foster Homes in Birmingham
Actively trying to raise awareness of the need for people to Foster around the Midlands is a current priority for all Foster Service Providers. The hope being, that by speaking about the issues people will be able to continue to pass it forward. Not everyone is able to Foster, so for those who can't to be able to talk to others within their community is vital.
For those with children in their lives, be it there own or close family/friend, it's easy to understand the sense of needing to protect, nurture and love them with all that we have, we do everything in our power to keep them safe. But for so many young children in our community this is not the case. Last year in Birmingham alone (not even including surrounding areas) 1840 children were moved into the care system... 1840 young people in need with 725 available Foster Homes. The biggest need is for those who can support older children or sibling sets. Last year 63% of children in care were 10 years or older.
In order to meet the need of the children and young people across the Midlands it has been suggested by the Fostering Network that in the West Midlands 890 new Foster Homes need to be found, assessed and approved and a further 500 in the East Midlands.
It's a proven fact that young people being moved into Foster Care as opposed to residential homes is much more effective in supporting them, and this is recognised by the Authorities and as such there have been many changes put in place. What was once seen as a voluntary role is now regarded as a professional career with on going training and development along with generous financial allowances on average ￡400per week. Foster Carers also have a huge amount of support nowadays including their own personal social worker.
I would love the opportunity to speak with anyone who would like to to find out more information, and I thank in advance all that continue to raise awareness by sharing this information with their friends and family. Most people know at least one or to people who are thinking about Fostering (you may not know).