We’re happy to announce we are now a Fostering Friendly employer – a programme by The Fostering Network, which helps organisations to actively support fostering, and in particular, foster carer employees.

We’ve amended our existing Special Leave policy, to make a real difference to our employees who foster, and support others in becoming approved foster carers themselves.  

Our council offers a flexible working pattern to foster carers and those going through the application process, who can access a minimum of five days extra paid leave for their fostering commitments.  

These involve meetings with social workers and other agencies, attending training, settling young people into their new home and more. 

Cllr Trevor Cave, Cabinet Spokesperson for Children’s Services, said: Barnsley is passionate about ensuring that our children in care remain with Barnsley people in the community that know well, and we’re immensely proud of our employees who are also Barnsley foster carers. We value them for the difference they make to our children’s lives.

“Fostering requires a high level of commitment, and, in light of this, we're now offering the carers among our staff greater flexibility and additional time off to help them better balance work with being a great foster carer for the council.”

The Fostering Network is the UK’s leading fostering charity.  

Their executive chair, Mervyn Erskine said: “Becoming a Fostering Friendly employer is something to be really proud of. Foster carers are the bedrock of children’s social care – for the difference they make to the lives of children. It is important that this vital role is not only recognised, but also encouraged by their employers.  

“By supporting existing foster carers and promoting the role to other employees, this helps to build on the thousands of extra fostering households needed in the UK, for the children who need them most.

“The scheme is free to join and suitable for organisations of any size – please get in touch with The Fostering Network to join the growing number of Fostering Friendly employers.” 

We're always on the lookout for those special people who can give a safe and loving home to a child in care at a time when they need it most.

The fostering community is open to people from all walks of life, no matter your age, gender, relationship status or sexual orientation. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a foster carer for our local children you can call our fostering service for a conversation today on 01226 775876 or check out our fostering page barnsley.gov.uk/fostering to see how we can support you.

We also host monthly information sessions at Library @ The Lightbox. The next session is Thursday, 16 November, 11am to 1pm.