New ‘Weekend with Us’ fostering initiative launches in Wakefield
People across Wakefield are being invited to make a difference to the life of a local child through a new flexible fostering initiative.
Wakefield Council has launched ‘Weekend with Us’, a new scheme designed to give children and young people in foster care regular opportunities to spend time with another trusted adult or family.
The initiative offers an alternative way for people to support children and young people who may be unable to commit to becoming full-time foster carers.
Under the scheme, approved carers will welcome a child or young person into their home for one weekend each month, helping to provide stability, new experiences and the opportunity to build a trusted relationship.
Coun Matthew Caton, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said many people would like to support children but feel unable to make the commitment required for full-time fostering.
“‘Weekend with Us’ offers a different way to help,” he said. “By spending regular time with a child or young person, carers can provide stability, new experiences and trusted relationships that make a real difference.”
The council hopes the initiative will appeal to a wide range of people, including empty nesters, retired professionals and working adults who have time available at weekends.
People taking part will receive training, ongoing support, guidance from the Council’s fostering team and financial allowances.
The scheme is intended to complement existing foster placements, giving children and young people the chance to develop another positive relationship while remaining in their existing foster home.
More information about ‘Weekend with Us’, including how to get involved can be found here