Ever thought about becoming a Foster Carer?

“When I moved in with my foster carers, it was the first time in my life that I felt safe, and they helped me change my life. Having supportive foster carers has helped me through college, and also helped me to get a job, so that I can achieve my dream of becoming a social worker” – care leaver Courtney

There are currently 1,000 children in Hertfordshire in need of a safe and nurturing home. Could you make a difference to someone like Courtney by becoming a foster carer?

Did you know that in many circumstances, you can still work in your current job and also be a foster carer? Hertfordshire County Council urgently needs to recruit new foster carers to look after children who need help and support in the county.

Fostering is an extremely rewarding experience and many of our foster carers have second jobs and careers.

We have also recently boosted foster carer pay by nine per cent. In light of the recent Cost of Living pressures and in recognition of the valuable work our foster carers do, we are increasing the skills element of the weekly foster carer payment.

This is in addition to the recent 12.43 per cent Government increase of the foster carer set allowance. This takes a foster carer’s average weekly pay to £502.30 per week (based on caring for a child aged 11-15 and includes skills and child allowance). For more information, visit https://bit.ly/HertfordshireFosterPayIncrease

If you're interested in finding out more about fostering visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/fostering We have regular open evenings where you can find out more information and you can also contact our friendly team on 0800 917 0925 or at fostering.recruitment@hertfordshire.gov.uk