Catch the bus for facts on fostering in Wolverhampton
A new bus is touring Wolverhampton this week as part of a council drive to recruit more foster carers.
The City of Wolverhampton Council's Fostering for Wolverhampton vehicle is calling into five different parts of the city, with guidance available on board for people interested in fostering children.
Hundreds of children in the area have already been given a supportive environment, but more foster families are needed and the council is keen to hear from those who want to make a difference.
Councillor Val Gibson, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, insisted families would be given training, support and a tax-free allowance.
"We are very lucky to have so many dedicated foster carers in Wolverhampton but we are always on the lookout for more and so would love to hear from people who are considering fostering and I'd encourage people to catch the Fostering for Wolverhampton bus to find out more," she said.
"The council offers training and support to new foster carers, and they won't be left out of pocket as they receive a tax-free allowance to cover the cost of bringing up the child."
The Fostering for Wolverhampton bus was at Queen Square on Monday, and at Asda, Waterloo Road yesterday.
It will be at WV Active Bilston - Bert Williams, Nettlefolds Way today, at Bentley Bridge retail park, Wednesfield tomorrow, and will finish its tour of the city at Waitrose, Penn Road on Friday.
The bus is at each location from 10am until 3pm.
Wolves legend Steve Bull has backed the campaign and Jackie Bennett, who together with her husband Alan were made MBEs in the New Year's Honours List after fostering 179 children over the last 40 years, gave out advice on Monday morning in Queen square.
Those looking to get involved can be sole carers, married or in a relationship and will have support available 24 hours a day.
They will also receive six months of 'buddy support' from experienced foster carers, and help by supervising social workers for the first six weeks of a placement, and every month thereafter.
Placements can be anything from a few days to a number of years.
Anyone who cannot attend one of the roadshows can find more information by visiting www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/fostering or by calling 01902 551133.
