Brighton & Hove City Council recognised as a 'Fostering Friendly' employer
To coincide with Brighton & Hove fostering service turning 25 years old and as part of their Foster Care Fortnight celebrations, the council have announced that they have been recognised as a Fostering Friendly employer by the Fostering Network.
The council supports staff who are foster carers, and those who are looking to become one, by offering paid leave and flexible working options.
Playing our part to support foster carers
Nearly 40 per cent of foster carers combine fostering with other work. In a report commissioned by The Fostering Network, those who do, say that a supportive employer can make a huge difference, enabling them to balance employment while looking after children.
Brighton & Hove City Council’s, Executive Director for Families, Children & Learning, Deb Austin, said: “Thank you to the foster carers in our fostering community whose passion and commitment to helping children and young people is inspirational.
“As a Fostering Friendly organisation, we look forward to growing our community by supporting Brighton & Hove City Council staff to begin their fostering journey. The need for more people to step forward is more urgent than ever and we urge anyone with a spare room and a desire to make a difference to get in touch.”
Making a difference to the city's most vulnerable young people
The Fostering Network is the UK's leading fostering charity. Their executive chair, Mervyn Erskine said: “Becoming a Fostering Friendly employer is something to be really proud of.
“Foster carers are the bedrock of children's social care – for the difference they make to the lives of children. It is important that this vital role is not only recognised, but also encouraged by their employers.
“By supporting existing foster carers and promoting the role to other employees, this helps to build on the thousands of extra fostering households needed in the UK, for the children who need them most.”
Brighton and Hove City Council urge other employers in the city to take this important step to support the care of our vulnerable children in the community.
Celebrating 25 years
Fostering team manager, Cathy Seiderer, said: “As we end Foster Care fortnight it’s good to reflect on how the last 25 years the Brighton and Hove Fostering service have seen such a wonderful community of foster carers through the years and the huge amount of difference that has been made to so many children.
“Thank you to all our carers who have been here from the start, those who are just joining us and all those in between. We are looking forward to the next 25 years”.