Maria White tells us about fostering in Oxfordshire and how you could make a difference to a child’s life

Here in Oxfordshire, we have an incredible network of local foster carers, but we need more so that we can keep Oxfordshire children local. It’s common sense that they’ll do better if they’re close to schools, friends and family, even if they’re no longer in the same town.

Being a foster carer is rewarding but we will be honest it’s not always easy. Our children have often been through a lot and can need plenty of support. But every day we see the impact that support has, seeing them grow in confidence – nothing beats that.

Fun trips to the shops, cuddles after a bad dream, helping with homework, being there during those tricky teen years – foster caring is about providing stability, positivity and reassurance when a child needs it most. And you won’t be alone, we will be supporting you all the way.

What do our carers say? Lucy told us: “Fostering is a collaborative effort – you are not parenting on your own, but as part of a team. You spend a lot of time talking with social workers, school staff, GPs, mental health workers and a whole array of other professionals.

“My one piece of advice would be don’t pretend you’re ok when you’re not. You’re not alone, and there’s always help available – you just have to ask for it.”

We fit around you. You may be single, work full time or have kids, foster carers come in all shapes and sizes and that’s why we keep things personal. Even if it’s early days and you just want a chat to find out more, we work at your pace, so that when you’re ready, we’re ready, whenever that may be.

To help you with the transition to foster are we pay a £1,500 welcome payment. We pay an enhanced fostering fee alongside an allowance for the child to help make fostering more affordable. You receive support from your social worker and other foster carers who are all part of a local fostering community. Our carers love seeing the difference they make to a child’s life… you could do that too!

If fostering is not something you are able to do, no worries, but please help us by spreading the word and encouraging others to find out more about fostering with Oxfordshire County Council.

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