Cost of Living crisis sees increase in foster kids in Oldham

Foster care is an extraordinary service, but with a shortage of foster carers in Oldham, there is an urgent need for more people to step forward. 

Becoming a foster carer is one of the greatest acts of love and compassion you can offer to another human being. It is a commitment to providing a nurturing and stable home for a child who has experienced trauma and upheaval in their young lives.  

Oldham has a high rate of looked after children which means there is an ever-increasing need for foster families. On any given day, approximately 70,000 children are in foster care in the UK, and a vast majority of them require a safe and loving home in their local area. By becoming a foster carer in Oldham, you can make a huge impact on the life of a child by providing them with a safe and comfortable home to grow, develop and thrive.

Fostering offers a unique opportunity to make a positive difference in a child's life, and to support them in their education, health, and emotional well-being. The experience can be both challenging and rewarding, but the benefits are significant. Foster carers play a vital role in supporting children in care to develop self-esteem, feel valued, and rebuild trust in adults. By offering a nurturing and stable home, you can help to change a child's life trajectory for the better. You can give them a future. 

Becoming a foster carer in Oldham means joining a network of passionate and experienced professionals who are supporting children in care. Oldham Council provides ongoing training, support, and guidance to help foster carers navigate the often-complex system. The council works closely with foster carers to identify the best care options for each child, ensuring their needs are met.

In addition, fostering in Oldham offers financial rewards to foster carers, which can range from £261.75 to £477.75 per week, depending on the level of care and support that the child needs. 

The first £18,140 you receive is tax-free, even if you’re working or have other incomes. And there is additional tax relief for every week you foster a child. This is known as qualifying care relief.

The financial rewards don’t stop there and there’s the potential to receive other benefits and allowances, such as holiday pay, pension contributions, and additional payments to cover the cost of the child's activities and hobbies.

Becoming a foster carer in Oldham can be

• a new career

• a fresh challenge

• a way of doing something wonderful for a child

• a way of topping up your income

It can actually be all of these things while being an immensely rewarding experience for both you and a child. 

By becoming a foster carer, you will join a dedicated team of professionals who are passionate about supporting children in care. The financial benefits are an added bonus, and it can be a meaningful and fulfilling way to give back to your community. 

If you want to make a real difference in a child's life, then you should consider fostering in Oldham. Please contact our friendly fostering team, call 0161 770 6600, or visit:

• Fostering