Colleagues who would like to find out more about fostering or adoption are encouraged to speak to the Families for Children team.
Within the Council, there are flexible options to foster – with different arrangements possible.
This includes the opportunity to provide children and young people with short breaks, interim fostering and/or longer-term support for young people.
The team is also keen to hear from those who feel they could offer a home to children who have disabilities and those who could take a small family group, so that brothers and sisters can remain together.
Foster Care Fortnight ran recently, from May 13 to 26, and experienced carers spoke about the joys of supporting a child through life and ensuring they have the best opportunities to succeed.
Last month, the Council was recognised as a Fostering Friendly Employer.
We have updated our Special Leave Scheme to give greater flexibility to staff for exploring fostering opportunities. Read more in the Latest News article.
Employees who are foster carers (or who are exploring becoming foster carers), as well as kinship carers, can now benefit from the time off detailed below:
- Assessment and initial training prior to approval as a foster carer – maximum three days
- Attendance at panel for approval – maximum one day
- Child review meetings, annual foster carer review meeting and training – up to five days.
There was an increase in enquiries to the team thanks to promotional work that was carried out during Foster care Fortnight, and you might also have stopped and had a chat with them
Joanne Wilson, Adoption & Permanence Team Manager, said: “We have helped many, many young people to find foster and adoptive families here in North Ayrshire.
“Since the recent Foster Care Fortnight promotional activity, we have received a number of enquiries and this is encouraging.
“But we need more people who are willing to adopt or foster a child or sibling group, and show them the love and compassion they need to thrive.
“If Council colleagues would like to find out more information, we will be more than happy to sit down and have a chat about the various options and opportunities.”
Make a difference in North Ayrshire
Contact the Families for Children Team now and make a difference to a child’s life.
To be eligible you must be over 25, you can be single or in a relationship (for more than two years with experience of caring for children).
For more information, please email the team at adfos-enquiry@north-ayrshire.gov.uk call 01294 310300 (option 4 then option 1) or go directly to the website at tinyurl.com/fostering-northayrshire
