New foster carers in North Yorkshire are being offered a £500 'golden hello' payment when they are approved.
New foster carers in North Yorkshire to get £500 'golden hello' New foster carers in North Yorkshire are being offered a £500 ‘golden hello’ payment when they are approved to help to provide a fresh start for young people. From now until 31st December, 2023, North Yorkshire Council's not-for-profit fostering service, Fostering North Yorkshire, is giving £500 to every newly approved foster carer. The move is part of a summer drive to help recruit more foster carers. Fostering North Yorkshire currently has 181 foster carers looking after children in care. However, more children are coming into care and there’s a national shortage of carers across the UK. Executive member for children and families, Cllr Janet Sanderson, said:
“We are delighted to announce the ‘golden hello’ for all newly approved foster carers between now and the end of December. “Our foster carers are there day in, day out giving our local children a loving home and offering them support and guidance. "Our foster carers are very much appreciated, and we are fully committed to ensuring our foster carers are properly supported and rewarded. We would encourage anyone who has been thinking of fostering to enquire now.”Carers receive full training and support to help turn young lives around. There are also payments and allowances for every night a carer fosters, most of these are tax-free. Anyone aged over 21 can foster, and they just need space to care and to be prepared for a challenging but rewarding role. Allison, 62, and Alan Cooper, 71, have been fostering for Fostering North Yorkshire for 30 years. They said:
“We’ve looked after hundreds of children over the years – some have been with us for a weekend, others for two years. “Fostering has completely enriched our lives. It’s hard saying goodbye to the children, but we’ve found that they stay in touch and it’s a joy to see them continue to thrive.”Visit the council's fostering page to find out more or call 01609 534654 to speak to a member of the Fostering North Yorkshire team. Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.
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