Bury’s Fostering Team has achieved recognition as a “Fostering Friendly” employer.
The award was initiated by The Fostering Network, a scheme that aims to actively support foster carers, particularly for employees who are foster carers.
As part of its commitment, the Bury Fostering Team is now offering a flexible working pattern designed to accommodate foster carers and individuals in the application process.
These dedicated individuals can now access a minimum of five additional days of paid leave to fulfil their fostering responsibilities. These responsibilities encompass attending meetings with social workers and other agencies, participating in training sessions, and assisting in the integration of young people into their new homes, among other duties.
Strengthening support for foster carers
Councillor Lucy Smith, cabinet member for children and young people, expressed her enthusiasm for this initiative: “Giving a loving home is the best thing we can do for our children, that is why we continue to strengthen our support for Bury foster carers.
“We continue to work with our fostering community to ensure that children within our care are looked after and are provided with the best support. I am delighted that we can now offer further support to our foster carers. We are also working with The Fostering Network to implement the new Mockingbird Family Model which is an innovative method of delivering foster care, emulating a family unit with a hub carer providing support to foster carers and the children they care for.”
This newly earned status aligns with recent improvements in foster carers’ compensation and benefits. Notably, a 50 per cent council tax discount is among the many new incentives offered to individuals who become foster carers.
To further recognise the invaluable work of foster carers, increased payments and allowances are being provided. These enhancements include:
Adjustment Fee
Foster carers may receive a discretionary payment equivalent to the Foster Carer Professional Fee for up to two weeks at the conclusion of a challenging placement, during an unexpected end to a long-term placement, during a difficult disruption, or in times of bereavement. This support aims to provide carers with financial stability during challenging times.
Break Allowance
Foster carers will be eligible for an annual Short Break Allowance of seven nights, during which they will receive their fee while the child stays with another foster carer. This allowance remains accessible even if the carers do not utilize the short break.
Retainer
Designed to alleviate financial concerns during gaps between caring for children, the Retainer Fee is linked to the day rate equivalent of the Professional Fee, with a maximum of four weeks per year per fostering household.
Pams Assist/Silver Cloud
An employee benefit scheme, now extended to foster carers, offering emotional and wellbeing support, as well as financial and legal advice. This added support has proven to be invaluable, particularly in light of the mental health challenges faced during the Covid pandemic.
Max Card
The Max Card, the UK’s leading discount card for cared-for and looked-after children, is now available to foster families. It provides free or discounted admission to various venues across the UK, and Bury Council already provides this benefit to children and young people aged three and over.
Blue Light Card
This discount service, catering to emergency services, NHS, social care sector, and armed forces personnel, now extends its benefits to fostering families. Cardholders can access a wide range of discounts for various activities, day trips, goods, cinema visits, and more. The cost of this benefit is £5, payable every three years. Foster carers are encouraged to apply for this benefit themselves and can claim reimbursement from the council via their expenses.
The fostering community continues to face a nationwide shortage of 9,265 fostering households, and Bury is no exception. Regardless of age, gender, relationship status, or sexual orientation, fostering welcomes individuals from all walks of life.
