Have You Got What it Takes?
May 10, 2005
Foster Care Associates (FCA) in Cymru is putting its weight behind the current national shortage of foster carers with its latest campaign.
A series of 40 and 10 second television adverts are set to be broadcast on HTV Wales and S4C for seven weeks from May 16. The theme behind the ads is that fostering is a challenging career path to take, but a rewarding one, if you are confident you can do it.
Emma Davies, FCA placement officer for the Cymru region, comments; “There is a national shortage of 10,000 foster carers across the UK, with around 750 of these being needed throughout Wales. It is hoped that this new advertising campaign will catch those people’s attention who have considered fostering in the past, but never taken the first steps.
“Tolerance, understanding and stability are far more important ingredients than formal caring qualifications when it comes to being a foster carer” Emma continues. “FCA is hoping that people watching these adverts on television might realise they’ve got what it takes, and as long as they have a spare room and enjoy working with children then FCA would like to hear from them.”
As the UK’s leading independent foster care agency, FCA has firmly placed itself on the map, with a network of 60 offices nationwide. Foster Care Associates appreciates that it is a challenging task being a foster carer but with the right tools and back-up the rewards can far outweigh the hard work. All FCA carers are provided with the training and support they need to fulfil their roles.
To fully support a carer and to ensure the placement is successful, FCA offers foster carers:
• 24 hour, seven days a week support from a local team of social workers, therapists and education specialists.
• Initial and ongoing training with the opportunity to take NVQ level III in care.
• Membership of an independent voluntary benefit scheme. The scheme offers free legal advice, legal expenses, insurance, advice on tax and preferential pricing arrangements on hundreds of lifestyle products and services.
• FCA carers can expect to receive £350 per week per child.
FCA currently has over 1,900 children and young people in its care and is committed to providing an opportunity for them to live fulfilling lives in the community. Anyone interested in becoming a foster carer should contact FCA on Freephone 0800 085 2225 or visit the company website at ‘www.fcacymru.co.uk’
