Unprecedented payment and benefits package for foster carers
Thursday 9 May: To mark Foster Care Fortnight, Hillingdon Council has launched an unrivalled payment and benefits package for foster carers who can now earn up to £1,500 per week and receive a 25 per cent reduction in council tax when looking after a child in care.
There are currently 365 children in the council's care in Hillingdon, but with a national foster carer shortage, people are needed now more than ever to provide a loving, stable home for a child in need.
Jeanette Isaacs, aged 59 from Ruislip, has been fostering with Hillingdon Council for six years. She said: "The cost of living has gone up so much, so the council's new payment and benefits package will be a good incentive for many people to sign up. I foster because my heart is in it and I wanted to enhance a child's life, but the new offer shows further recognition for the valuable job we do
"I've got two grown up children and my divorce had a huge impact on us all. It was a traumatic experience, but we came through it stronger and I felt we had something special that we could offer someone. I felt it was important to give back and fostering is very rewarding - you can really make a difference."
Cllr Susan O'Brien, Hillingdon Council's Cabinet Member for Education and Families, said: "We are so proud to launch this incredible new payment and benefits package for our dedicated, hard-working foster carers and we hope it will encourage more people to find out more about fostering.
"There are many reasons people choose to foster; it's rewarding and a great chance to give back to the community, but it is also an excellent career choice; working in a role where you can directly change the life of a child or young person."
The council's fostering service is running several events throughout foster care fortnight, including a community walk at Ruislip Lido on Tuesday 21 May and an information stand at Hillingdon Business Expo on Thursday 23 May.
To find out more, visit: www.hillingdon.gov.uk/fostering
