Posted on Monday 9th September 2024
Foster Carers Zara and Peter
People interested in starting a career in which they can make an impact, are being encouraged to consider becoming a foster carer.
Every day in Staffordshire, more than 1,300 children live with over 400 foster families because they are unable to live at home. Some of the children may have experienced neglect and abuse or have witnessed domestic violence or substance misuse. Whatever their experiences, all of them will be suffering the trauma of being separated from their own families and will need love, support and stability.
This is where foster carers can help, says Staffordshire County Council’s Fostering Service, who are behind the latest fostering campaign.
A series of online and in-person information events will run throughout September and October. Here, people will get the chance to talk to real foster carers about what’s involved and the support package available to them.
Staffordshire foster carers Zara and Peter have been fostering with the county council for seven months and are keen to share their positive experiences to encourage others to come forward.
Zara said:
“Our close friend is a foster carer and we had seen children coming and going. One day my husband suggested that I’d be good at it, as I’m good with children.
“So, having applied, six months later our first child moved in and he’s still with us. It’s so rewarding seeing a child settling in and developing and knowing you are making a difference. I love it. Our advice to anyone thinking of fostering is, go for it and make those enquiries - it will be the best decision you will make.”
Mark Sutton, Cabinet Member for children and Young People at Staffordshire County Council said:
“Staffordshire has a wonderful team of foster carers who do a fantastic job.
“But, with high numbers of children still in care, we need more people of all backgrounds to come forward and foster, especially for teenagers, children with disabilities and sibling groups.
“Most people are able to foster; there’s no upper age limit, you don’t need to have a job or own your own house and you don’t have to be in a relationship. Fostering isn’t one size fits all, you can foster full-time but you can also foster on a short-break basis; for a few days in the week, at weekends or school holidays.
“All our carers receive a fostering allowance, and we provide full training, ongoing support and access to a support network of other foster carers.”
Staffordshire County Council’s Fostering Service is aiming to recruit a further 60 foster families over the next twelve months.
To get started as a foster carer or for details of forthcoming information events visit or call 0800 169 2061.