A CALL to increase the amount of short-term foster carers has been made by Barnsley Council bosses in a bid to keep in-need children in their local area.
The local authority’s children’s services department have launched an appeal for people with experience of caring for children with additional needs to consider becoming short break foster carers.
It’s part of a package of work to strengthen local support for disabled children and their families.
Short break foster carers provide planned, small periods of care - such as evenings, overnight stays or occasional weekends - offering children positive experiences outside their family home.
The service currently has a small number of respite carers offering short breaks for children with disabilities, but long-mooted plans to increase the amount has recently gathered pace.
A council spokesperson said: “This also gives parents and carers valuable time to rest and recharge.
“We’re developing a dedicated short break fostering offer to complement our existing services.
“Increasing the number of locally-based foster carers will provide families with more choice and help ensure children can receive support close to home, school and their community.
“The role is designed to be flexible and can fit around other commitments, including employment and family life.
“People who may be well suited include parents, carers, teaching assistants, health professionals, social care staff and others with personal or professional experience of supporting children with additional needs.”
Eligible people will be offered specialist training linked to supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities, ongoing supervision from a dedicated fostering social worker, access to peer support and financial support and allowances which recognise the skills and commitment involved.
Carly Speechley, executive director for children’s services, added: “Short break foster carers play a vital role in supporting disabled children and their families.
“These short stays can make a real difference, helping families feel supported and giving children new experiences in a safe, caring environment.
“We’re keen to hear from people who may not have considered fostering before but have experience and compassion to offer.
“More information is available at www.fosteringbarnsley.co.uk or by contacting 01226 775876.”
The government said it was ‘determined to address the falling numbers of foster carers’ by working closely with local authorities and prioritising foster care recruitment and retention.
Children and Families Minister Josh MacAlister said: “Foster carers provide more than just a roof over a child’s head - they offer belonging, consistency and the chance for young people to grow up close to their schools, friends and the places they know.
“We will soon publish a detailed plan to improve and expand fostering which will map out how we reverse the decline.”
