Simply Fostering News
March 2016
Archbishop visits Fostering Team
Dr John Sentamu, the Archbishop of York, met the fostering team from East Riding of Yorkshire Council while visiting County Hall in Beverley.
The Archbishop, who is taking part in a six month Pilgrimage of Prayer, Witness and Blessing across York, talked to foster carers and young people who have been fostered. He spoke about the responsibility and privilege involved in fostering a young person. Dr Sentamu and his wife Margaret fostered two children and said they are “immensely proud of them”.
Ant and Dec Honour Foster Carer
Foster carer Ella Rafferty has been honoured by Ant and Dec on the TV show Saturday Night Takeaway. Ella, from Newry, was nominated by her foster children to mark Mother’s Day and has been given a cruise holiday. Ella has fostered more than 40 children both long term and short time, over her 27 years as a foster carer. Director of Children and Young People’s Services, Paul Morgan, congratulated Ella and spoke of his delight that she was awarded this tribute. He also praised the work carried out by all their foster carers.
Plea for more LGBT foster carers
West Sussex Council are urging the LGBT community to consider fostering or adopting. The county wants to send out the message that sexuality is not a barrier when applying to become a foster carer. The Council’s Cabinet Member for children, Peter Evans, said that they are looking for people who are energetic, patient with a good sense of humour and who will treat young people and children as individuals whilst providing security and maintaining boundaries. The council is also keen to hear from people who could foster siblings.
New Fee Scheme for Foster Carers in Solihull
Solihull Council is revising its fee scheme for foster carers to a two tier ‘Skills Fees’ system. This will mean that carers will be paid a higher fee if they reach targets for their professional development. Under the new scheme, experienced foster carers for young people with health problems or severe behavioural issues will have their fees cut by 50% unless they agree to complete tasks which will develop and support the council’s fostering service, which could be taking emergency placements and recruiting more foster carers.
The council said the scheme, which has already been optional for foster carers in the last two years but the fee system will become mandatory in April, will improve recruitment and better reward the skills of carers.
Simply Fostering News 2016
