Council to give staff extra time off to become foster carers

Lancashire: So, the council is stepping up to help its staff become foster carers. They’re planning to give extra time off and let folks work flexibly. It’s all about making it easier for employees to welcome a child into their home.

They’ve got a draft policy in the works as part of their bid to become a Fostering Friendly-accredited employer. Last month, the cabinet members gave a thumbs-up to this idea, which is backed by the Fostering Network.

If this goes through, staff who foster will get paid time off to help settle a child in, attend important meetings, and do any necessary training. Plus, they’ll be pointed toward flexible working options unless their job really can’t accommodate it.

Cosima Towneley, the cabinet member for children and families, is hopeful this will boost in-house fostering placements. And it’s not just for council staff; those fostering through private agencies will get the same support.

She mentioned that fostering has been “very squeezed” lately, with fewer people stepping up to help. Towneley believes fostering is one of the best ways to keep kids out of care, as they thrive in a family setting.

They’re also trying to make fostering a more flexible commitment to attract more carers, whether they work for the council or not. Towneley explained that fostering isn’t just a full-time gig anymore; you can do weekends, days, or even crisis fostering.

She encouraged anyone thinking about fostering to reach out for a chat, as there’s no immediate commitment involved. The council will also be talking to trade unions about their plans for Foster Friendly accreditation, which 80 other councils have already achieved.

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