More than 120 children and young people in the care of Swindon Borough Council are living miles away from the borough and, separated from their family and friends because there are not enough foster carers in the town to offer them a home.
But the council is hoping its new campaign may see more people sign up to take in a child.
The council looks after more than 300 children, aged from infants to teenagers, who can’t stay in their own home.
Of the 300 children looked after by the council, because they can’t live at home, 41 per cent were living more than 20 miles away.
Max and his brother had to move more than 100 miles away from Swindon because there weren’t any local foster carers for them. Max’s needs are complex, and he requires therapeutic support. He’s now in a children’s home, living away from his brother.
Councillor Paul Dixon, the council’s cabinet member for children's social care, said: “If you take the rewarding step to become a carer, we promise you’ll never be alone. Our team will support you every step of the way and you’ll become part of our strong network of foster carers, receiving all necessary training and support.
“If you are interested, we are inviting you to head over to our fostering page on the Swindon Borough Council website, give us a call or join one of our fostering information sessions.”
In July, the Council’s Cabinet agreed to increase the basic foster carer allowances. Swindon Borough foster carers now get paid up to £708 per child, per week, depending on the carer’s skills and the needs of the child. And as carers develop their skills, their payments will also increase.
The council says foster carers can be married, single or living with a partner, regardless of sexuality or gender. Foster carers can have any employment status. They can live in rented or their own accommodation, and it doesn’t matter if they have their own children or pets.
To qualify, the respective foster carer must be 21 or over, have a spare bedroom and be in good health to meet the needs of the child.
The council's website has full details of what's involved, or those interested can ring 07917 503447 or email fosteringrecruitment@swindon.gov.uk.
The fostering team run regular drop-in information sessions about fostering, the support carers receive and how the application process works.
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