Acorn Care is an independent provider of children and young people’s services in Darlington and the surrounding areas. They are currently recruiting foster carers to look after children and young people in their own homes as well as people who may be interested in residential support work in children’s homes or the new independent living project. They have had a big response from the Aycliffe area and there is still time for anyone interested in finding out more to contact The Acorns staff and arrange to come along to an information session or for a worker to call around for a chat.
Children and young people can need foster placements for all kinds of reasons and The Acorns are committed to providing foster carers with the support, advice and financial resources they need to look after each individual child or young person in the best way possible. Carers receive full training and are carefully matched with children who fit with their experience and interests.
Many different people can apply to become foster carers. Married, single or living with a partner; retired or of working age and people with or without their own children at home. There’s no need for a big house, although having a spare room is a must. You don’t have to have worked with children and young people before but relevant experience is a benefit and a driving licence and a sense of humour also help.
Foster placements can be short or long term, and are needed for all age groups – from babies to older teenagers – and from all sorts of circumstances. There is a particular need for carers who could look after brothers and sisters so they can stay together, for people willing to give teenagers a chance – especially some who may have got themselves into trouble, and for people who could care for children with disabilities- either full time or for ‘respite breaks’
If you’ve been thinking about fostering or are interested in other opportunities with The Acorns contact fostering@acorncare.org.uk – phone 01325 485143 or check our Facebook page TheAcornsFostering or www.acorncare.org.uk
