Published on Monday October 14, 2024

Councilor Mark Sutton

Playing outside and visiting the park to play on the swings are high on the wish list of children across Staffordshire looking for long-term foster carers.

The youngsters aged six and eight are just two of a number of children being highlighted by Staffordshire County Council in a bid to recruit more people willing to take in children with communication problems.

There is a significant demand for foster carers across Staffordshire, but especially for children with additional needs and disabilities, including those on the autistic spectrum.

The municipality’s reception service is looking for people who would be available 24 hours a day for a young person and who would have personal or professional experience in this field.

Support is available, including regularly scheduled short breaks, 24/7 out of hours advice, local support groups and comprehensive training.

In return for a full-time placement, a generous placement fee of £572 per week is paid as soon as people are approved, allowing people to change careers to fostering. Plus, up to an extra £249 per week is paid once the child moves in.

Lisa, a foster carer from Staffordshire, said:

“Welcoming a child with additional needs or a disability has its challenges, but these are certainly outweighed by the rewards you get when you build a relationship with the child and watch them grow and develop.

“You have to be able to communicate with children in different ways, think outside the box, have a lot of energy and patience. In return, you will discover a child’s unique personality and develop a close bond. For me, it really is the best job ever.

Mark Sutton, cabinet member for children and families at Staffordshire County Council, said:

“We are looking for more foster carers, but we particularly need people with experience of supporting or working with children with additional needs or disabilities.

“Our caregivers benefit from a lot of support so that you are never alone. If you would like to know more about children or fostering in general, please contact the fostering team.

Children like T who enjoy playing outside and who love farm animals and tractors, are looking for a family who can provide him with a calm, caring home, ideally in or around the Stafford area so he can stay in his current school. T was born with an extra chromosome, functions at a younger age than his actual age, and his language is delayed.

O is six years old and looking for a long-term family. He loves swimming, walking in the park and playing on the swings. He likes to play with his cars and go out in the rain to jump in puddles. O uses PEC cards to communicate and does well with them.

To find out more about how you can make a difference to children like T and O, please visit the Foster for Staffordshire website or call 0800 169 2061.