A North East council is to be one of the first in the UK to recruit a new type of foster carer.
Durham County Council is working in partnership with Now Foster to introduce the Weekenders Programme, a flexible way for people to foster.
The new programme allows people to play an ‘aunt’ or ‘uncle’ role for a child in care, spending one weekend each month doing fun things together such as days out, swimming and sports, and other activities.
The initiative is designed to strengthen the support for children in care by giving them wider, family-style relationships while offering a flexible way for residents to become part of a child’s circle of care.
Cllr Cathy Hunt, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: “As the Durham Family, we are always looking for new and effective ways in which we can improve the lives and outcomes of our children and young people. Therefore, we are delighted to be one of the first local authorities in the UK to trial the Weekenders Programme.
“We know that many people would consider fostering, but are unsure if they have the capacity to offer full-time care. This scheme will open up our recruitment of foster carers by offering a more flexible way to support a child. It also allows our children to feel connected to trusted adults who can offer consistency, emotional stability, and a sense of belonging in a warm, fun, family environment.
“The scheme does not replace full time foster care and the valuable benefits and stability that come with it. The Weekender Programme is designed to build on the foundations of full-time foster caring, allowing the weekenders to play a grandparent, aunt or uncle role and give the child a wider sense of family.”
Sara Fernandez, chief executive of Now Foster, said: “Many people want to support children, but aren’t sure where to begin. Weekenders makes that possible – it’s about connection and care, a really good way to step into fostering.
“We’re delighted to partner with Durham County Council to help more children build the lasting, trusted relationships they deserve.”
The programme has been designed with social work professionals, experienced foster carers and care-experienced individuals.
Weekender foster carers will be matched with a child or young person and receive full training to ensure they have all the skills they need to support them.
For more information about fostering in County Durham, visit:
www.durham.gov.uk/fostering