Lockdown is no obstacle to becoming a foster carer in Wigan

Residents interested in foster caring are being urged to apply now

Anyone interested in becoming a foster carer can start their journey now, so placements for children and babies can be found as soon as possible.

The recruitment drive comes as the council launches its Your Borough Needs You campaign, adapting to the new demands caused by the response to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Celebrating key workers and local volunteers in these unprecedented times, Your Borough Needs You, #We’veGotThis, is aiming to reach out to as many residents as possible to help in any way they can.

Coun Jenny Bullen, cabinet member for children and families, said: “Our existing cohort of brilliant foster carers is doing a fantastic job, providing stability and reassurance to the children living with them during this uncertain time.

“I would like to thank them all for their commitment and support. But due to the current public health emergency there is an increased demand for placements.

“Like in local authority areas up and down the country, Covid-19 has impacted residents’ circumstances, whether that be financially or due to self-isolation.

“As a result, we are urging those who may have been thinking about fostering for a while, or those who may not have previously considered it but feel they can offer a loving home, to begin the process now.

“Our teams are working really hard to ensure new foster carers can be approved quickly, while continuing thorough checks.

“As corporate parents, the safety and wellbeing of our children and foster carers is of paramount importance to us and any placements will be made following strict government guidelines.

“As a result, we have made immediate changes to our way of working, including hosting virtual information sessions, providing tailored one-to-one training sessions and completing assessment sessions and home tours via video link.”

Wigan Council has made significant changes to ensure the fostering service can continue to run as normal while adhering to social-distancing guidelines and government requirements.

For more on the borough’s fostering service, visit www.wigan.gov.uk/fostering or call 01942 487 200, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

Alternatively send an email to [email protected]