ARE YOU INTERESTED IN FOSTERING IN BLACKBURN?

With over 76,000 children placed in care throughout the UK, we are always on the lookout for new superstar Foster Carers to join our ever-growing team. Foster Carers are an essential part of the social care system in the UK and we would struggle to protect vulnerable children and young people without them.

If you’re based in Blackburn, you know exactly what the area has to offer, with public spaces and plenty of amazing schools. Wherever possible, we aim to keep children in an area that is familiar to them, which is why we need more Foster Carers in the Blackburn area.

Forget everything you think you know about foster care. Children and young people are in care for a variety of reasons; it may be due to family illness, a breakdown within the family, or it may be that the young person’s welfare is under threat. Many young people may also have experienced neglect or abuse. Every child has a different story and different needs, all they need is a warm and loving home to be able to get back to being a child.

At Lorimer Fostering, we work with every applicant to decide on the right type of foster care for your circumstances. We also offer ongoing support to ensure you are empowered to make the right choices every step of the way.

WHO CAN BECOME A FOSTER CARER?

Children from all backgrounds need fostering, so we try to recruit foster carers who reflect this diverse mix. You can find out more about the requirements for Foster Carers here, but as a general rule, you will need to meet the following criteria:

• Be over the age of 21
• Have a spare room in your home
• Be committed to helping others

HOW DO I BECOME A FOSTER PARENT IN BLACKBURN?

If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a foster parent with a leading Blackburn fostering agency, we would invite you to get in touch. The first step to becoming a Foster Carer is to have a friendly informal chat with your chosen private fostering agency. If you’re happy to go ahead, a Social Worker will visit you and your family and ask some questions. They will then create a report on your suitability to be a Foster Carer.

HOW MUCH DOES FOSTERING IN BLACKBURN PAY?

Fostering is as much a career choice as anything else. You will be given an allowance depending on how many children you have in your care and where you are based. The allowance is split into two portions; one part is to cover the cost of taking care of a child, while the other part is your weekly stipend for your hard work. Our Foster Carers are caring, dedicated and hard working; and we want them to be rewarded for their contribution. It might seem odd to think about being paid for foster care, but this is actually more cost-effective than taking care of the child in a care home. It’s also much more preferable for the child.

When you choose to join Lorimer you’ll receive a generous financial package. Our foster carers receive up to £500 per week for their first placement and additional payments for holidays, Christmas and additional placements. We also provide around the clock support and links to fantastic support networks. But more importantly, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference to the life of a young person. What could be more rewarding?

WHAT SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE FOR FOSTER CARERS?

As a result of their life experiences, some children and young people can express their feelings through challenging behaviour. They may reject your care or become withdrawn. As a Foster Carer, it is important that you understand that this is not a reflection on you. You are there to help the child or young person in your care to feel safe, secure and valued; and at Lorimer Fostering, we are here to do the same for you!

Being a Foster Carer in Blackburn is an amazing journey but it does require strength and a commitment to care. You need to be willing to share your life with someone who needs you and have the time and commitment to give them the attention they need. In return, you will receive a challenging but rewarding career with financial benefits, all of which can be done from your own home.

Could this be the career path for you? At Lorimer Fostering, we welcome applications from all ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds. You may be married, single or divorced. You can be a homeowner or a tenant. If you have the time and energy to invest in a child or young person, are flexible, patience and understanding and have a bedroom to spare; then contact us by calling on 07938 575 738 or submitting your details below to take the first step…