Life in Salford 26 • August 2019 25
New focus for Luke Four years ago Luke had a professional career, worked long hours and saw too little of his husband Simon. Today he’s a full-time Focus foster carer for two boys, one of whom has extra needs and says he couldn’t be happier. “It is hard work but without a doubt the most rewarding job you can do,” said Luke. “The more you put in the more you get out and we get so much back from our foster children. “We both thought it would be lovely to look after a child and give them the kind of positive experiences we had growing up.
What is Focus fostering? Long-term care for children aged five to 18 who have complex backgrounds.
“It took us nearly two years of thinking about it, worrying about how much it would change our lives. Now I wish we had done it sooner! Our quality of life is so much better. I see more of Simon, we have a beautiful little family and we feel so rewarded for doing something amazing. “We go on holiday often and we’re constantly out enjoying ourselves and we have a brilliant family and friends network to help with the children. The support we get from Salford City Council is excellent – we have access to training, a great choice of courses and support groups every other week. I’d recommend it to anyone.” Luke and Simon started as respite foster carers, taking a child every few weeks to give them a different experience and their family a break. They became full time carers for one of the children and then accepted another boy on long-term placement.
It can be highly demanding but extremely rewarding. Focus carers receive full training and preparation, round the clock support from a team of professionals supporting them and the child and meet regularly with other Focus foster carers. They are paid £389 per week plus additional allowances that cover the cost of caring for a child. To become a Focus foster carer you will need experience of working with or caring for children, young people or vulnerable adults, must be available full time, have no other children under 16 living with you, have a spare room and must have a commitment to working with professionals. To find out more about this and all types of fostering see www.salford.gov.uk/fostering or call 0161 799 1268.
