Local Strictly Come Dancing star Ian Waite, took time to meet foster carer Sue Rayment, one of over 50 ‘fab-you-lous’ foster carers at Wokingham Borough Council, to help raise awareness of the need to find a ‘Perfect 10’ more local fostering homes.
Ian, presenter, dancer, business owner and local resident, who returns to BBC2 for Strictly, It Takes Two in October, said: “I am delighted to do my bit to help raise awareness of the need for more local foster carers for local children and would encourage people to talk to the team about fostering in the Wokingham borough.”
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You could waltz into one of our monthly online information events and find out how you could quickstep through our friendly and supportive application process. For more information and to book your place on our next event on 18 November 6pm to 7.30pm, email us on fostering@wokingham.gov.uk, call 0118 974 6204 or visit https://fostering.wokingham.gov.uk/
As well as a chance to make a difference for a young person in need, fostering through the council offers an attractive remuneration package, council tax exemption, excellent training including a specialist therapeutic programme, and one-to-one and out-of-hours support.
Fees increase with experience often resulting in the equivalent of a good salary, which could allow a complete change of career. For example, an experienced foster carer at Level 2, who cares for two children all year, could earn more than £25,000 p.a. excluding generous allowances for the children.
The council continues to look to add to the number of foster carers it has. The more foster homes the council has available, the more able it will be to help young people in its care find a family home.
The recruitment process remains unchanged, but certain elements of the training take place digitally and extra distancing precautions are in place when face-to-face meetings take place.
Cllr UllaKarin Clark, executive member for children’s services, added: “I would echo Ian’s encouragement of residents to get in touch to find out more about our fostering service. You could be our newest foster family providing a vital, happy home to a young person close to home and ensuring they get the support they need as they grow up.”
These steps can take around six months to complete, though we will accelerate appropriate applications:
- Enquiry
- Home visit
- Preparation training
- Assessment
- Fostering panel and approval
- Foster a child
If you’re interested in getting started on your fostering journey, contact the fostering team on (0118) 974 6204, email fostering@wokingham.gov.uk, visit ‘Wokingham Fostering’ Facebook or go to the Wokingham Borough fostering website.
