Appeal for more short-term carers for children

Heather Woolley says offering short-term breaks suited her

People are being urged to consider volunteering as a short-term carer for children with disabilities and complex needs.

North Yorkshire Council's not-for-profit fostering service said such children need a minimum of one short break per month to help support them and their families.

Former Scarborough primary school Heather Woolley has been approved to take a child in for a weekend or longer and said people who got involved could make "such a difference".

The council's Janet Sanderson said "life experience" and a willingness to support children were the most important attributes for carers.

So far Ms Wooley, who specialised in working with children with additional needs, has met with two families to start the process of getting familiar with them before their child begins short-break care.

"I applied to be a short-breaks carer 12 months ago and the process did delve deep into my life," Ms Woolley said.

She said despite it taking time to be approved it proved to be "therapeutic".

"I was reminded what I had to offer a child or young person and took stock of my achievements," she said.

The breaks can differ depending on each child needs and interests.

"You might go for a walk or down to the beach or you might play games at home it's very much lead by the child's interests," she said.

"It might just be an overnight stay, it might just be giving them a change of scene, a slightly different routine."

Ms Woolley said the planned breaks appealed to her given her "work patterns and the supply work" she does.

"You can make such a difference as a short breaks carer," she said.

'Genuine commitment'

Executive member for children and families at the council Ms Sanderson said "It doesn't matter if you're single, what age you are, or what your beliefs are – our children thrive with someone who has a genuine commitment to caring for them, patience, energy, understanding, the ability to make them feel valued and a sense of humour."

Short breaks are matched to meet a child's needs, interests and preferences and aim to provide extra social opportunities as well as a break for the parents and youngster.

Foster carers receive an allowance depending on the type of care they are undertaking.

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