Foster carers sought

A recruitment drive is underway to provide more foster carers for children with disabilities in Pembrokeshire.

As part of its ongoing programme to improve the range of options to support families who care for disabled children and young people, Pembrokeshire County Council is seeking to recruit people to provide foster placements for children who because of their disability, have additional needs.

The Council is keen to ensure that wherever possible, children are looked after as close to their own homes and in family-based care in their communities.

Foster carers are needed to provide long and short-term care for disabled children. Short-term care offers overnight respite care to full-time carers for up to two weeks.

Providing care for children with disabilities and additional needs can be challenging but also very rewarding and Pembrokeshire County Council will do everything it can to provide support for potential carers, says Councillor Sue Perkins, Cabinet Member for Services to Children and Lifelong Safeguarding.

“We’re aware that some people may be reluctant to put themselves forward to care for disabled children and young people for a range of reasons,” she said. “These might include the belief that they do not have the expertise, and that their own property is not equipped to meet the needs of disabled children and young people.

“That need not be the case.

“We are able to offer a range of support to our carers, including regular visits (monthly, or more frequently if needed), a comprehensive package of training, and funding for adaptations to properties if required.

“We will do all we can to help you provide a home for those young people in Pembrokeshire who may need short or long term care.”

For more information about becoming a Foster Carer please contact the Family Placement Team on 01437 774650 or email fostering@pembrokeshire.gov.uk