Employers urged to support staff who are foster carers

This week sees the start of Foster Care Fortnight and one of the themes is tackling the misconception that people cannot continue working if they become a foster carer.

Anthony and Nichola Hopkins (Pictured above), who have worked for Admiral for more than 20 years, have recently become foster carers with Foster Wales Swansea.

Anthony said: "Our birth children have grown up, but we still wanted children around the house which is why we considered becoming foster carers.

"We told our line managers at Admiral, and they've fully supported us through our fostering application and training journey, and they continue to support us as foster carers.

"Admiral has been great and fully supportive, providing the understanding and flexibility we needed to settle the children in, enabling us to get the bedrooms ready so the children feel comfortable and safe in our home, and to also spend time with them.

"It's been such a rewarding experience for us, despite only doing it for a short period so far.

"If I was ever to change jobs, then a supportive fostering policy or flexible working policy would 100% be something I'd look for at a company."

Swansea Council is among the organisations and businesses to have achieved Foster Friendly status by implementing policies for staff who are prospective foster carers or are going through the application process.

The scheme also supports employees who are already foster carers, to allow time off for training, attendance at panels, to settle a new child into their home and to respond to any emergencies which may arise.

According to the Fostering Network, nearly 40% of foster carers combine fostering with other work.

Head of Foster Wales, Alastair Cope, said having the support of an employer may make the vital difference in the decision of an employee to become a foster carer.

He said: "As the need for foster carers continues to grow, we need our community in Wales to step up.

"We know that when children stay connected, stay local and have someone to stick by them for the long term, we see better outcomes.

"So, if employers in Wales can support their employees in becoming foster carers, local authorities can help more children stay connected to their roots and ultimately, support them towards better futures."

Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Care Services, Louise Gibbard, said: "We felt it was vital to do all we could to support our foster carers who also work for the council by offering some flexibility and support in the workplace, that's why we are very proud to have achieved Foster Friendly status.

"This week we are also reaching out to local employers to be fostering friendly to enhance the support we already provide for our foster carers."
To find out more about becoming a foster carer in Swansea, visit: www.swansea.fosterwales.gov.wales or call 0300 555 0111.

To become a fostering friendly employer, get in touch with The Fostering Network fosteringfriendly@fostering.net to find out more.