Denbighshire County Council adopts further provisions for Fostering staff

As part of its commitment to staff who decide to become Foster Carers, the Council has recently adopted a Foster Friendly leave policy, offering flexible working arrangements which respond to the needs of Foster Carers who work for the Council.

The policy affirms the Council’s commitment to supporting staff who Foster, and allows an additional 5 days special leave in a 12-month period for those who Foster through the Foster Wales programme.

The additional leave allows Foster Carers who work for the Council to use it for vital periods such as assessment and initial training prior to approval as a Foster Carer and child review meetings, annual Foster Carer review meeting and training.

This leave can also be taken as full or half days.

Councillor Diane King, Lead Member for Education, Children and Families said:

“This change in policy will allow our staff to have more time and space to help with their important roles as Foster Carers.

This policy change is a reflection of our commitment to those amazing staff members who decide to Foster.”

Rhiain Morrlle, Head of Children’s Services said:

“I am delighted that this policy is in place, it demonstrates Denbighshire’s commitment to supporting staff who wish to foster and those staff that already foster for us.

We have many committed and talented staff across the council, we are confident that many would make excellent foster carers and hope that this policy encourages staff to contact the Fostering Team for a discussion.”

This new policy is also one way in which the Council is transforming one of its services to save money in the long term.

By increasing the number of foster carers in the county, it enables the Council to provide better outcomes for young people in a way which is also more cost-effective.