During the national Foster Care Fortnight (13 – 26 May) MK City Council is running activities and events to celebrate the incredible contribution of foster carers, and to prompt more people to consider fostering in Milton Keynes.
The fortnight of celebrations and networking events for local carers includes boating on Willen Lake and a foster carer conference.
Across Milton Keynes, there are 113 council foster carers looking after 167 children, including babies and toddlers, sibling groups, children with complex needs and teenagers. More foster carers are needed to offer emergency, respite, short and long-term placements.
Foster carers who work with Milton Keynes City Council are offered competitive rates of pay, specialist training, a mentorship scheme and 24/7 support plus access to the Fostering Network and local groups.
Fostering could be for you whatever your age (minimum age 21) or personal circumstances. All you need is a spare bedroom and the time to ensure a child will be safe and well looked after.
The City Council is also asking local organisations to consider whether they could support an employee to become a foster carer or offer an opportunity for work experience or an apprenticeship for young people leaving care. To learn more, please contact Katie Connolly.
Councillor Joe Hearnshaw, Milton Keynes City Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People says, “There are many types of fostering, from short-term or emergency placements through to longer-term care for children and teens. This means that there are all sorts of options depending on your personal circumstances and the time you have available.
If you may be interested in supporting a child or young person in Milton Keynes, then our fostering team would be happy to discuss what we offer our carers and how fostering can fit your lifestyle.”
For an informal chat with the fostering team, please call 01908 253 206 or visit www.mkcounciljobs.org.uk/foster for more information.