Change a life in 2023
The start of the new year provides the perfect opportunity to think about making a change so why not consider becoming a foster carer?
Published by Blackpool Fostering on
We’re appealing to residents to consider making a rewarding change this year by becoming a foster carer in Blackpool.
There are many children and young people in Blackpool who need a loving family as they grow up.
Our foster carers often tell us it is one of the best decisions they have ever made so please get in touch if you feel like you could make a difference.
There are currently around 300 children in care in what are known as external placements in Blackpool. This includes children and young people in residential care, some of whom are awaiting a loving foster home.
Joint appeal
We recently joined forces with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council to launch an urgent appeal for more people to find out about becoming a specialist foster carer.
Specialist fostering involves caring for children and young people with complex emotional and physical needs.
There are different types of specialist fostering including parent and child, looking after children with disabilities and step down fostering.
A step down foster carer will help a child or young person adjust to moving from a residential children’s home to living in a stable and supportive family environment.
Foster carer qualities
Empathy and patience are key to being a specialist foster carer. The role would be particularly suitable for those with a background in childcare, social care, policing, teaching, youth work or previous experience of foster care.
Foster carers are needed across all age ranges, for varying length of times. Carers that can look after children and young people with complex needs are a priority but foster carers from all walks of life are needed.
People interested in becoming a foster carer must have a spare bedroom and be over 21 years.
Blackpool Council foster carers benefit from a comprehensive package of support including enhanced generous allowances, regular support groups, peer mentors for new carers, an out of hours support and advice line and a dedicated supervising social worker.
Our friendly fostering team regularly holds drop-in information events throughout the year. The events in January are:
- 12 January at Blackpool Sport Centre from 5-7pm
- 19 January at Cafe Chicco, Solaris Centre from 12-3pm
- 26 January at Anchorsholme Park café from 1-3pm
If you have ever thought about fostering then please get in touch.
We would also love to hear from anyone who has previously fostered with the council, foster carers taking a break from fostering and retired foster carers.