Bristol City Council launches drive to recruit foster carers for teenagers

Bristol City Council is launching a campaign to help highlight the urgent need for foster carers who can care for older children and teenagers. During September 2014 the fostering service will highlight the benefits of fostering older children, using a mixture of social media marketing, posters around the city and adverts in local newspapers and interviews on local radio.

By being placed with the right foster carers, teenagers have the opportunity to continue with their education, the stability to thrive and a family that can give them the love and support they need.

One Bristol City Council carer, Chris, who has cared for older children for over 10 years says: “To an outsider, fostering teenagers probably seems like a lot of hard work, but the rewards are immense. We care for teenagers because they bring a variety of needs, are interesting and challenging, you can help them develop in numerous ways and the rewards are great and meaningful when they go on to do good things. As far as we’re concerned babies are too much like hard work!! ”

Another couple Glyn and Margaret say     “We have fostered teens for 26 years. There are bad times, hard times and good times. The best of the good times is when they come back to see you many years later. ”

Bristol City Council is urging people with the patience and understanding to support a young person s development, whilst offering a loving and stable home, to consider becoming a foster carer.

Bristol City Council s Assistant Mayor for Children and Young People, Brenda Massey, says:   “A significant number of young people who need foster care in Bristol are teenagers, so we re particularly encouraging people to come forward who can provide the skills required to look after children in this age group.   “Fostering teenagers can be a challenge, but Bristol   foster carers consistently tell us how hugely rewarding it is.

“Of course, we re also looking for foster carers for children and young people of all ages, so if you can offer support and stability to help the young people in your city reach their full potential, please get in touch. ”

The government has recognised that young people of 18 may not be ready to leave their foster carers; therefore the legislation has changed so that where appropriate, young people will be able to remain living with their foster carers until they reach the age of 21.

Foster carers for Bristol City Council receive a full training package, ongoing support, a tax free allowance and a financial package for each young person each week. Applications are welcomed from a wide variety of backgrounds, including single, married, in a civil partnership, living in your own home, rented or council accommodation.

If you think you have the skills required to care for a young person, then becoming a foster carer for Bristol City Council could be for you.

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