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A better Deal for foster families

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A new deal celebrating and rewarding foster carers and their families is coming to Wigan Borough.

Wigan Council’s ‘Deal for Foster Carers’ is an agreement focusing on the whole family and also offers a number of incentives and support to increase foster carer recruitment, while saving the local authority money.

The deal, which will be rolled out to foster families on Tuesday 17th October, will provide families with extra support including: out of hours support for carers, long service awards, fostering leave for Wigan employed carers, discounted leisure facility membership for the family and even a transfer bonus for independent foster agency (IFA) carers joining the council.

Anita and Rob Andrews have recently moved over to be Wigan Council foster carers after four years with an independent agency and are so happy with the service; they wish they had done it sooner.

Anita said: “Although independent agencies are better financially, we knew that transferring to Wigan Council was in the best interests of our foster child, despite us living in Warrington.

“It took us a while to decide to transfer but we wanted a long-term placement, which isn’t always offered by independent agencies and the more we spoke with the council and other foster carers the more impressed we were.

“It took us four months to completely transfer but I cannot fault the support and training we have received. Of course, you need to consider your own situation but I would recommend Wigan Council based on our experience.”

From 17th October and throughout November, our fostering service will tour the borough, providing information to both those who want to get into fostering and those who are thinking of transferring from an IFA.

James Winterbottom, director of children’s services at Wigan Council said: “We acknowledge that fostering is a huge step for families, especially if the foster carers already have children, which is why we designed a deal that the whole family can benefit from.

“High quality foster carers are vital in ensuring we meet our ambitions of a safe family home for every child, therefore, we’re always looking for new foster carers to join us and we promise to provide ongoing support and training right from the beginning of your fostering journey.”

The Deal for Foster Carers: A better deal for foster families’ roadshow will take place in the following locations:

  • Friday 27th October, 6pm-10pm, Foodie Friday at Haigh Woodland Park
  • Wednesday 1st November, 1pm-4pm, Leigh Library
  • Tuesday 14th November, 10am-4pm, Grand Arcade, Wigan
  • Wednesday 15th November, 4pm-6pm, Howe Bridge Leisure Centre,
  • Sunday 19th November, (times tbc), Wigan Christmas lights switch on, Wigan town centre

If you’re unable to attend the above sessions, but are interested in becoming a foster carer with Wigan Council you can call 01942 487200. Find more information about fostering.

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