Foster Carers make their debut on camera.
19.10.07
Pathway Care Group, one of the UK's leading independent fostering
agencies, has launched an innovative new DVD to recruit much needed
foster carers
The 20-minute film contains interviews with actual foster carers, their
birth children, and a young person who has gone through the care
system. All talk openly about the advantages and challenges of a career
in foster care.
There is a UK wide shortage of over a 10,000 foster carers, in an
attempt to boost numbers Pathway Care has been actively engaged in a
series of recruitment campaigns. The DVD is the latest initiative to
help would-be foster carers decide if they have what it takes.
Conor Rooney, Pathway Care's Marketing Manager, said: "The film
provides an invaluable insight, straight from the mouths of real foster
carers into the reality of fostering. In order to attract new carers we
need to dispel any fears or preconceptions that surround fostering,
hopefully this dvd achieves this and will reassure any body thinking
about becoming a carer.
"The motivation for becoming a foster carer must always be the desire
to help vulnerable children. However, more and more people are
realising that a career in foster care offers various benefits such as
attractive rates of pay, flexibility, the ability to work from home and
the opportunity to help disadvantaged children improve their
life-prospects," he added.
Foster carers featured in the film talk candidly about their reasons
for becoming foster carers, the recruitment process, the effect of
fostering on the family, as well as offering tips and advice based on
years of experience. They also highlight the positive aspects fostering
has had on their lives.
Carers from different regions in the UK appear in the DVD, they range
from those that have fostered for many years, to carers just beginning
their careers as carers. One of the carers featured on the dvd said
"Working for Pathway Care is like being part of a big family. Fostering
can be challenging and it's not for everyone but we have never
regretted our decision to become foster carers and I would urge others
to do the same, it's one of the most rewarding jobs you can do."
Mr Rooney said: "Increasingly foster carers are recognised as an
important part of the children's workforce, and as skilled people who
provide an invaluable service to society.
Anybody who would like to know more about fostering or who would like a
copy of the DVD can contact any of the regional offices.
