Call on employers to give support to fosterers

AS families across the country struggle with the ongoing cost of living crisis, Foster Wales is calling on employers in Gwynedd - and across Wales - to become ‘fostering friendly.’

Cyngor Gwynedd is backing the initiative, and hopes to help address “a misconception” that people are unable to continue working if they become foster carers.

The local authority’s fostering services are calling on the wider business community to support and make it easier for employees to combine fostering and work.

The council cites the Fostering Network, the UK’s leading fostering charity, which reports that nearly 40% of foster carers combine fostering with other work.

A ‘Fostering friendly’ policy aims to encourages employers to provide flexibility and time off for prospective foster carer employees going through the application process.

The scheme also supports employees who are already foster carers by allowing time off for training, attendance at panels, time to settle a new child into their home and to respond to any emergencies.

Marian Parry Hughes, Head of Children and Family Support Department at Cyngor Gwynedd said: “Reaching out to local employers to be fostering friendly is one of many things we are doing to support our foster carers in Gwynedd.

“Maethu Cymru Gwynedd has recently launched the Foster Carers Charter to show how we respect the foster carer role, empower foster carers in day-to-day decision-making and value vital knowledge of the child as part of our team.”

One example given is ‘Manon and Deio’ who work full time as well as being part time foster carers in Gwynedd by offering short breaks.

To find out more about becoming a foster carer in Gwynedd visit: maethucymru.gwynedd. llyw.cymru/

To find out more about being a fostering friendly employer in Wales visit: fosterwales.gov.wales/ fostering-friendlyemployers-in-wales/