A CAMPAIGN to encourage residents to open up their homes to teenagers in the borough by becoming foster carers has been launched by Oldham Council.
The local authority is using this year’s Foster Care Fortnight to remind people that it not just young children that need foster families.
Councillor Jenny Harrison, Cabinet Member for Social Care and Safeguarding, explained: “In Oldham our greatest challenge is finding foster families for teenagers as unfortunately, they can be perceived as being more difficult to handle than younger children.
“This is simply not true. Caring for a teenager, like all children, will have its ups and downs, but it is also one of the most rewarding things you will ever do.
“Foster carers play a vital role in helping young people do well at school and preparing them for adult life.
“Many of the young people just want to be given a chance to live in a stable family like all their friends. If you could offer a teenager a home, please get in touch.”
Oldham foster carers, Danny and Marie, explained why they decided to foster teenagers instead of younger children.
They said: “Teenagers are at the most important phase of their emotional and educational development. This is traditionally a tough time for them, but more so for those in care.
“It is an incredibly rewarding experience when you can help guide these young people towards positive outcomes and personal achievement.
“The most rewarding experience so far has been helping a teenage girl to realise her full potential. She was mixing with the wrong group of peers and she was regularly excluded from school.
“After spending some time with her we discovered that she was incredibly bright and with support and a lot of determination she went from achieving U grades to As and Bs.
“Providing support and care for these young people can be very difficult, it can be sad and emotionally draining. It is for those reasons you feel proud of what you do.
“Foster caring is a vital part of society and it feels good to be part of a rewarding experience. We wouldn’t change it for the world.”
Carers will receive extensive support, including their own highly trained social worker, comprehensive training and a generous financial package up to £29,000 per annum.
For an informal chat, call Oldham Council’s fostering team on 0161 770 6600 or go to www.oldham.gov.uk/fostering
Foster Care Fortnight runs from June 1-14 and is a national campaign organised by the Fostering Network. Find out more online.
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