Fostering is about providing stability, positivity and reassurance when a child needs it most. It’s not easy – because many of the children need a lot of support. But with the county council’s team, foster carers get all the training they need, plus fair pay and so much more besides.

One of our most experienced carers, Laura, who lives in Bicester, has shared her top facts:

1. There are so many options. Becoming a foster carer is amazing – there is nothing like it – but we come in all different shapes and sizes, just like birth parents. So, if you have space in your heart and your house, then whoever you are, what is the harm in finding out a bit more?

2. Things can change. As my son grew, I needed to change who and how I fostered. I started with teenagers and that was great, but now with younger children my son can build an easier connection.

3. The support on offer is unique to the county council. When I see new foster carers, I can see the training they get really helps build confidence, but it’s the network of other foster carers – that chance to share – that makes the most difference.

4. Working isn’t a barrier. I chose to focus on fostering initially but now I’m running my own business too. I know plenty of carers who balance fostering and working somewhere else and that’s great because it means that you can keep a bit of you.

 5. Financially, it’s covered. It’s not an easy job, there are plenty of challenges, but you get the best feeling from making a difference – and importantly we get a good allowance and on top of that we get paid a fostering fee too!!

It doesn’t matter if you’re brand new to the idea of fostering, have been thinking about it for a while or are just curious, why not take a moment to speak to our team.

Sound interesting? Join us this November and December. No commitment, just conversation.

We’re holding some online events for anyone who is interested in fostering and wants to find out more – save the date and follow the links below. Feel free to join us for the whole thing (about an hour), or drop in to ask a question in the chat.

• Monday 27 November, 7pm - live stream
• Monday 4 December, 7pm - live stream

Or speak to us in person in Bicester on 28 November and 6 December.

Find out more about fostering on our website.

 

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Posters appearing in local libraries and as digital adverts feature the close bond between child and foster parent, accompanied by the words, ‘love, that’s what you need’.

There are also two social media films:

Sue, foster carer, who explains that: “These children don't want money. They don't want things. They just want love and attention, and they want your time.”

And in the second film, heart-warming sentiments from Shaniya, adopted daughter and foster sister.

Councillor Liz Brighouse, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Youth Services, said: “We are committed to giving every child and young person the very best start in life, but we can’t do it alone. When it comes to foster carers, it’s a very much a partnership between the county council and families living across Oxfordshire.

“We need enthusiastic, caring and dedicated families who are willing to offer a safe, stable and loving home life for children and young people who cannot remain living with their birth family.

“I’ve heard foster carers say that you don’t know until you try. For many, it’s a daunting experience taking on such a responsibility. But as they bond with the child and children that they foster it becomes hugely rewarding. To support them in their role, we have a specialist team that provides dedicated support, so a foster carer will never feel alone.

“If you’re thinking about fostering, but aren’t sure, please do contact us and ask for more information.”

Oxfordshire County Council foster carers receive:

• A welcome payment of £1,500, to help make the transition to foster carer.
• Generous fees, paid in addition to the child’s allowance, based on experience and skills.
• Dedicated social worker support.
• Access to professionals involved with the child/children.
• Links with support groups, specialised training and therapeutic advice.

There are currently 250 foster carers in Oxfordshire.

Abingdon foster carer, Ruth McVeigh (pictured below), said: “For me, becoming a foster carer was a long-held ambition. I’ve found every day as a foster carer is a new challenge, and yes there is still stress at times. But unlike my previous jobs, I know that I am making a difference to someone else’s life, every day.”

Banbury foster carer, Denise Kennedy, explains: “I started fostering to change children’s lives. I had no idea how much of a positive impact it would have on my own life. I wish I could have done it sooner. If you are thinking of fostering, just do it. There is a type of fostering to suit everybody, from a few hours a week to 24/7.”

Ed and Maggie Atkinson are Henley residents and foster carers.

Ed said: "We were inspired to foster by meeting other foster families in Henley and beyond. We loved the idea of giving love and security to children. It has made life so much richer and has helped our own (now adult) children grow up to be caring people themselves. Yes, do go for it!"

For further information about becoming a foster carer, go online oxfordshire.gov.uk/fostering,

email fostering@oxfordshire.gov.uk

or phone 0800 783572.

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Samantha is helping raise awareness of a £1,500 welcome payment introduced for new Oxfordshire foster carers.

Samantha explains: “Everyone has an idea of what fostering involves. But many are surprised when I tell them that, in my case, I’ve also opened my door to the mums along with their babies for the last seven years. My official title when I do this is parent and child carer.

“New mothers face many challenges. They love their newborn, but circumstances might conspire against them. Mental health issues, an insecure or unsafe family environment, or they are under 16 – these are just three examples of where I can make a difference at a vulnerable point in their lives.”

When mother and child step inside, they are immediately welcomed as members of Samantha’s busy household. They have their own bedroom and become an integral part of the family. Samantha has three children: one in sixth form and two in their mid-twenties.

“Everyone I foster is different. They all have unique characteristics,” said Samantha.

“They each have individual challenges. Once I’ve established which areas they need support in we discuss ways in which to help them. Some struggle with telling the time meaning they might miss crucial feeding times.

“I become their teacher in some respects, sharing my experience to help them. We learn together. What works for one mum might not suit the next one. In the case of timekeeping, I’ve tried using charts and alarms. We always get there in the end, and it’s rewarding for both the mum, and for me.”

Samantha also has her own support – Oxfordshire County Council’s social worker, Amy Power.

“Amy’s amazing,” enthuses Samantha. “Sometimes I don’t have the answer to assist the family I’m fostering. On other occasions, I soak up the worries of the mum and I know Amy is only a phone call away to talk things through if I need clarity. It’s a positive circle. I nurture and develop mum for her baby and my social worker is alongside me when I need advice and assistance.”

The most rewarding part of being a foster carer for Samantha is seeing the difference she is making.

Samantha said: “It gives me great pleasure, witnessing day by day a new and struggling mum become a brilliant, confident and competent mother. Watching that special bond flourish between her and her baby.

“Many of the families stay in contact, some regularly, which is fantastic as I can see their babies going from strength to strength. It reminds me why I became a foster carer and why I’m now encouraging other Oxfordshire residents to consider the role.”

Councillor Liz Brighouse, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Youth Services, said: “Samantha beautifully describes the emotional rewards of being a foster carer; knowing that you are instrumental in the child’s development, seeing them grow in confidence.

“There are also financial rewards. It’s a career that pays, plus the addition of a welcome payment of £1,500, introduced to new foster carers at the start of November.

“It’s our aim to place the children we care for locally with Oxfordshire County Council’s foster carers. Keeping children local – and with their mums in the case of parent and child carers – means they maintain friendships and family connections. They continue having access to what’s familiar to them, such as their GP, and professional support.”

Oxfordshire County Council foster carers receive:

• Generous fees, paid in addition to the child’s allowance, based on experience and skills.
• Welcome payment of £1,500, introduced to new foster carers at the start of November.
• Dedicated social worker support.
• Access to professionals involved with the child/children, linked with support groups and specialised training.

For further information about becoming a foster carer, visit www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/fostering, email fostering@oxfordshire.gov.uk or phone 0800 783572.

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When Jenny and John Barney took the decision to become foster carers in 1998, they never envisaged their journey would last for 23 years, and that they would retire with the satisfaction of having cared for more than 100 children.

The Kidlington couple will now be able to enjoy their retirement knowing every one of the young people they fostered was welcomed into their household with the same warmth and enthusiasm, giving security and a chance to build confidence after a difficult start to life. Now they are encouraging others to think about becoming foster carers.

Jenny said: “Foster caring is so much more than simply giving young people a roof over their heads. Some of the children stayed with us only a few days; others for a number of years. We gave each child a perspective on things. Helped build positivity.

“Fostering changed our lives and gave us the feel-good opportunity to change many young lives too. We want to share our experiences to inspire others to consider becoming foster carers. It’s extremely rewarding – knowing you are making such a positive difference to every child you look after.

“We’ve done all kinds of fostering, including taking in children during emergencies. Recently we took on the role of ‘mockingbird hub carers’, providing a satellite hub for other carers by offering support and relief when needed. We still play a big part in the lives of many of the children we’ve cared for.

“While John ran his own a fencing company, I used any spare time to get involved in broader aspects of fostering. I was a carer coordinator, offering support to other carers. I facilitated many support groups and offered one to one support to carers when they needed it.

“And I was a chair of the Oxfordshire Foster Care Association (OFCA) for many years, providing a link between foster carers and the fostering service. The association supports fostering families by organising events and days out.”

Jenny worked tirelessly at OFCA, organising the annual pantomime in Oxford for foster families. She also sat on the corporate parenting panel, which provided an opportunity for her to speak on behalf of foster carers across the county. And was editor of the OFCA newsletter.

A major role of Jenny’s was her work with the Children in Care Council where she worked with many young people to ensure their voices were heard and listened to; and that their achievements were celebrated.

Councillor Steve Harrod, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Family Services, said: “Jenny and John have made an incredible difference to so many young lives over nearly a quarter of a century. Jenny’s additional work and experience has also helped fostering evolve to make an even bigger difference to the children who benefit from these dedicated carers. On behalf of so many young people – thank you Jenny and John. You have been inspirational.”

Oxfordshire County Council is looking to recruit more foster carers across the county. For more information about what the role involves, details of the support and fees, and how to apply email fostering@oxfordshire.gov.uk phone 0800 783 5724, or visit the website www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/fostering

“We wanted to make a difference.” Those are the words that resulted in 17 young lives being transformed by Banbury foster carers Donna Mason and husband Michael Osborne.

Donna’s reason for wanting to become a foster carer reflects recent research by Oxfordshire County Council. The top three reasons people cite for the role are:

Believing they had something to offer children; wanting to help young people in care; and enjoying working with children.

The couple’s journey into fostering began because they wanted to help their now ten-year-old daughter, Poppy, to develop life skills by living with and sharing the experiences of other children, from many different backgrounds and circumstances.

“We can have up to three children, aged between two years and 18 years,” says Donna. “Our family size fluctuates as we also offer other types of fostering on an emergency and short-term basis.

“Since we began fostering in July 2016, three sisters have lived with us for nearly a year. On another occasion a five-year-old was welcomed into the family for many months.”

Donna is delighted with how Poppy benefits from the extended family:

“We’ve seen her confidence transformed,” says Donna. “She’s now more interested in what’s around her, what’s going on in the wider world; and probably has a broader outlook than many of her friends.

“This inquisitiveness helps her understand that there are many challenges as well as opportunities. It’s stimulated by day-to-day interaction with the foster children we welcome under our roof.”

Donna gushes enthusiasm, talking about the benefits to her and husband Michael:

“Fostering is so rewarding. It brings laughter and love through good and difficult times.

“We believe passionately that children deserve to have the best opportunities in life. We are there for them; to nurture, to make them feel safe and valued. To help them grow, to explore their interests and get them inspired, ready to succeed in adulthood.”

Donna works for Oxfordshire County Council, a foster friendly employer, in its adult social care team. Like many other employers across the county, her boss provides the flexibility she needs to balance a career, and to be a mum and foster carer by offering five additional days off for time off related to fostering.

She says:

“My manager is very understanding. If I need time off at short notice because we have an emergency placement, or a medical appointment for one of the foster children; no problems.

“It works both ways. I return to work inspired and motivated; even more determined to make a difference, because I’ve supported a young person through a difficult situation. Foster caring spurs you on in every aspect of your life.”

There has been a 66% increase in the number of children looked after in Oxfordshire since 2015. Two-thirds of them are over the age of ten.

But, Oxfordshire County Council is always on the lookout for more foster carers. The council provides different types of fostering to best meet the needs of both the children and the carer.

A generous allowance plus fees are offered alongside specialist training and support.

Lucy Butler, Director for Children’s Services at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “We’re keen to hear from anyone interested. We have wonderful foster carers like Donna and her husband – but like all other parts of the country, we’re keen to recruit more. We’d love to hear from you.”

Facts about fostering:

• You don’t need a specific qualification, once approved, carers are supported, and you are provided with training to help prepare you to foster. There are lots of other opportunities for training and learning.

• There is no upper age limit to foster. You must be over 18. Oxfordshire County Council has foster carers who are in their 70s.

• Single? Not a problem - children need stable loving homes by single parents and couples, whatever their gender or sexual orientation.

• Disabilities or not, you can still foster - health problems and disabilities will not stop you from fostering, provided you can care for the children.

• There are children from many different backgrounds needing to be fostered, what is important is that you can meet the needs of the child.

• If you are renting your home and do not have a spare bedroom we can offer advice on how you may be able to receive assistance.

How to find out more:

For more information about becoming a foster carer in Oxfordshire, email fostering@oxfordshire.gov.uk or phone 0800 7835724.

Or visit the website:

www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/fostering

May 13 to May 26 is Foster Care Fortnight – and Oxfordshire County Council is on the lookout for more people like Ilse who may be interested or know someone who is interested in becoming a foster carer. With ever more children coming in to care across the nation – including Oxfordshire – there’s always a need for new recruits.

In 2011 there were 425 children in care in the county – now there’s around 780.

“I thought you might not be able to foster if you are single, but you can! You must be open and be patient and fun – we have a lot of fun in our house” says Ilse from Oxford

Ilse’s own children are really involved and make sure children feel welcomed when they move in. She said: “Your children and your family have to completely involved, I think that’s the most important thing. The children are great role models, which I think is super important.

“Sometimes when children come in to foster care their self-esteem is at rock bottom and you can see it in the way they walk and move, and their faces are withdrawn. What you really want to do is scoop them up and just hug them but that is not necessarily what they want.

“The benefits are seeing them grow in to confident children, they will ask for things and they shine, they lift their chins up and become confident little people, those are the moments when you think ‘wow, we are doing a really good job’.

Ilse’s adopted daughter Shaniya loves to have foster children come to live with them. She said: “When foster children first arrive the way to make them feel welcome in to your home is to play games and if they are shy just make them laugh. It always works!”

Oxfordshire County Council is always on the lookout for more foster carers. The council provides different types of fostering that best suit the children and the carer. A generous allowance is offered alongside specialist training and support.

People who spread the word and persuade someone to contact the council’s foster care team could receive £250 once that person has been approved and a child has been placed.

Lucy Butler, the Director for Children’s Services at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “We’re keen to hear from those who’d be interested. We are blessed with wonderful foster carers – but like all other parts of the country we’re very much on the lookout to recruit more. We’d love to hear from you.”

Facts about fostering

• You don’t need a specific qualification, once approved, carers are supported to achieve the Children’s Workforce Development Council training. There are lots of other opportunities for training and learning.
• There is no age limit to foster - to foster you must be over 18, we have foster carers who are still fostering in their 70's.
• Single? Not a problem - children need stable loving homes by single parents and couples, whatever their gender or sexual orientation.
• Disabilities or not, you can still foster - health problems and disabilities will not stop you from fostering, provided you can care for the children.
• No ethnic matching - there are children from many different backgrounds needing to be fostered, what is important is that you can meet the needs of the child.

How to find out more

Find out more by coming along to an information meeting taking place on Wednesday 15 May from 6.30pm at Nash Court, 4440 John Smith Drive, Oxford Business Park, Cowley, Oxford, OX4 2RU.

More information can be found on our website, by writing to fostering@oxfordshire.gov.uk or calling 0800 7835724.

The county council is appealing for more people to come forward or find out more during national Foster Care Fortnight

The council currently has more than 230 registered foster carers looking after children in Oxfordshire, but needs more to come forward to enable more children to be placed with local families.

Hugely rewarding

Fostering Service Manager Teresa Rogers said: “The need to recruit new foster carers is an ongoing challenge for all councils. In Oxfordshire we have seen the number of looked after children increasing in recent years, and the majority of these children will, at some point, need a foster home.

“Although we are able to provide a foster placement for every child who needs one, like many other councils we often have to call on external agency providers, sometimes based outside the county. Wherever possible, we want our children to stay close to family, friends and local schools, as this helps provide the stability that they need.”

She added: “There are huge rewards in being able to make a difference to a young person’s life. The council also offers excellent training and support, as well as financial allowances."

Find out more

Anyone interested in becoming a foster carer or to find out more, visit www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/fostering

Or contact:

fostering@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Tel: 0800 7835724

"Time and understanding"

Foster carer Shirley Gelleburn, from Banbury, looks after two children with additional needs. She said: “I never saw myself as a carer of anyone with additional needs, I had always seen parents of these children as superhuman and with special skills and thought I could never do that, be that good. I thought I wasn't skilled enough but no one starts off with those skills, they are skills that grow from being an advocate for your child.

“Time and understanding of the children gave me the knowledge and drive to support them. Speaking to school staff and social workers also enabled me to get the support I needed.

“It turns out the only skills I needed to have to care for a child with additional needs was patience, empathy and the drive to do my best. You don't have to be superhuman to be a special needs carer, you just have to want to make a difference. Fostering is a great thing to do, I would say to anyone thinking about it - just do it!”

The council is looking for foster families for children of all ages and with a range of needs:

• Teenagers – 50 per cent of children in care in Oxfordshire are 10 years and over with teenage placements being a priority
• Sibling groups - we aim to place together rather than apart
• Babies and toddlers –need to be placed with foster carers who are at home full time
• Children with disabilities – could you embrace the challenges and rewards of fostering a child with physical or learning difficulties?
• Children with specialist fostering needs – our most vulnerable children who are part of our specialist fostering schemes.

Some fostering facts:

• There is no age limit to foster - to foster you have to be over 18. We have foster carers who are still fostering in their 70s
• Single? Not a problem - children need stable loving homes, with single parents or couples, whatever their gender or sexual orientation
• Disabilities or not, you can still foster - health problems and disabilities will not stop you from fostering, provided you can care for the children
• No ethnic matching - there are children from many different backgrounds needing to be fostered, what is important is that you can meet the needs of the child

Contact:

fostering@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Tel: 0800 7835724

“I’ve adopted three times myself, with three children; and it’s been the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done, my biggest achievement I would say.”

“And they’re all really happy” she adds, smiling. “All a bit crazy, but happy!”

Finding out more about adoption

If you’ve ever thought about adopting or fostering, Ilsa’s advice is to go to one of the regular open evenings; friendly, no-pressure events where everyone is welcomed, whether they’re actively looking to adopt, or just starting to explore whether it’s right for them.

“You’d be surprised how many people the Fostering and Adoption service needs, she says.”

Thanks to some wonderful Oxfordshire residents, the county council’s adoption team has been very successful in placing children recently. During April 2015 to March 2016 we placed more than 30 children, and so far this year we have placed more than 25 children.

Cllr Melinda Tilley, Cabinet Member for Children, Education & Families said:

“The impact of adoption on a child is often quite literally life changing. But there are also children who may miss out on adoption such as older children, those with disabilities and brothers and sisters. We are looking for adopters who are open to all our children, we want to hear from people who have the capacity to love, care and be there for a child.”

The children who wait

Brothers and sisters

We are looking for families who are open to adopting a sibling group. We recognise how important sibling relationships are and where possible, our aim is to place children together.

Children with special needs / disabilities

We are keen to find families for children with particular health and developmental needs. We gather as much information as possible about the child's history and their level of need both in the short and long-term, however we need adopters who are open to and able to manage future uncertainty. Although we may not always know what the child's future holds we do know that they need adopters that are dedicated and committed and who can provide the level of care, love and security that the children need. Adoptive families are not alone as specific support plans are put in place around the adopted child and their family.

Children aged over 5 years

Children over the age of 5 years often wait a long time for an adoptive family because most prospective adopters are keen to adopt children as young as possible. We are keen therefore to hear from families who have no children under the age of 10 years and who could be just the right parents for one of these children.

Children from a wide range of different backgrounds

We will always aim to place children in families where all their needs can be met, we take all things into consideration when matching children with their new family and we are therefore looking for adopters of all ethnicities and backgrounds which will help us to find the right family for the children we are placing.

We think that all our children deserve to find the right family at the right time.

Please do contact us if you are interested in adopting a child or children of any age. If you think you have the love, commitment, patience, and resilience to be a parent, and a willingness to learn and work with professionals, we want to hear from you. We have a committed and enthusiastic team who are actively recruiting adopters for children needing adoption who are aged 0–10 years.

We hope that during the campaign we get more people to be open to all the children that we are placing.

Come to an adoption event

An Adoption information event is taking place on Wednesday 19 October, 6.30 to 8pm, Nash Court, 4440 Nash Court, John Smith Drive, Oxford Business Park South, OX4 2RU or the public can contact 0800 7835724 or visit www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/adoption