Newport employers asked to support foster carers
Posted on Tuesday 16th May 2023
Foster Wales is calling on employers to become ‘fostering friendly’, to address the misconception that you cannot continue working if you become a foster carer.
This Foster Care Fortnight (15-28 May), The Fostering Network, the UK’s leading fostering charity, and local authority fostering services in Wales are calling on the wider business community to lend their support and make it easier for their employees to combine fostering and working.
Councillor Stephen Marshall, Newport City Council’s cabinet member for social services, said: “Asking local businesses to become fostering friendly employers is one of many things we are doing to support our amazing foster carers in Newport.
“We also offer flexible learning opportunities to make it easier for foster carers to fit in with life and work commitments. Training and transferrable skills from their working lives are recognised and are a valuable addition to the learning opportunities offered through the Foster Wales learning and development framework.”
Head of Foster Wales, Alastair Cope, 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."
To find out more about becoming a foster carer in Newport visit www.fosterwales.newport.gov.uk
To become a fostering friendly employer, get in touch with The Fostering Network [email protected] to find out more.