There are various types of fostering. These include:
Long-term fostering - Most children and young people who are fostered will return to their birth families. However, if this is not possible then we must consider the best way for them to have a permanent family. Long-term fostering is where a child or young person who cannot return home lives with the same foster carer/s until they are older and are ready to live on their own.
We desperately need long-term foster carers for children aged 8 and over who are in our care.
Is there room in your life for Matthew?
Matthew is a lively, outgoing 13-year-old boy. He has a good sense of humour and loves playing football and spending time on his computer. Like many youngsters his age Matthew can be quite challenging and rebellious. Matthew needs a long-term foster family where he can settle down and know that he will not be moving again.
All types of people make great long-term foster carers. All we ask is that you:
Are over 21
Have a spare bedroom/s
Can offer him a permanent home where he can become part of your family.
Choosing to care for Matthew until he is grown up is a big commitment, but one which brings so much reward. You will receive payments and allowances (up to £25,000 pa), ongoing training and support.
If you could make a difference to Matthew’s life, contact Carol Mellor on 0161 770 6619/6600 or email carol.mellor@oldham.gov.uk
Short term fostering - allows foster carers to look after a child or young person for a weekend up to two years stay. The aim of short term fostering is to get the child home to their family as soon as possible.
Oldham Family Link Scheme – providing weekend / overnight / holiday stays for children with disabilities in need of a break from home. Visit Oldham Family Link Scheme for more information.
Emergency fostering - providing a child with a place to go immediately, no matter what hour of a day or night, when it is essential to remove a child from a particular situation.
Mother and baby fostering – providing a foster home for a young mother and her baby.
For more informtion or to apply, email fostering@oldham.gov.uk or telephone 0161 770 6600 for a friendly, informal chat.