Foster Care Fortnight 2025

Our fostering community has truly embodied this theme, resulting in positive placement outcomes for our children and young people in Buckinghamshire and improving value for money across council services.

Over the past year, our in-house fostering team has implemented a broad transformation programme to enhance the support and benefits available to our dedicated foster carers. These efforts have not only improved the lives of children in our care but also emphasised the invaluable role of our foster carers in achieving these outcomes and the important work that they carry out for our community.

Last year, we introduced a unique package of benefits to recognise the contribution of our foster carers, including a full rebate on council tax, free parking and leisure experiences, alongside our extensive training and support programme.

This year, we are delighted to announce the addition of further exclusive benefits as we continue our commitment to building brighter futures for our children in care.

On Friday 9 May, during our annual foster carer conference, a special celebration and training event in Aylesbury, we unveiled the second phase of foster carer perks, which includes:

• Platinum annual Merlin Passes for adult carers and children under 18 living in the household giving unlimited access to the biggest UK attractions such as:
  • Alton Towers
  • LEGOLAND
  • Thorpe Park
  • Chessington World of Adventures
  • SEA LIFE centres and much more
• Financial assistance for holidays
• Discounted travel; 1 third off national rail ticket prices as part of the Family and Friends Railcard scheme
• Memory book; free subscription to the Caring Life Digital online platform and app
• Utility checks; payment up to £150 towards home energy safety checks, including an annual gas safety check
• Blue Light Card; access to over 15,000 discounts from national retailers to local businesses

These new benefits, along with our ongoing support and training, highlight our dedication to our foster carers and the critical role they play in transforming lives. Buckinghamshire Council remains committed to recognising the value and importance of our foster carers and the power of the relationships they build, which are the cornerstone of successful placements and positive futures for our children in care.

Since the fostering transformation programme began the fostering panel have approved a total of 20 placements for children.

With over 500 Buckinghamshire children in care, even with the new foster carers who have been recruited, more are always needed. The Foster with Bucks team will be out and about across the county during Foster Care Fortnight ready to answer questions and provide information. The team will be at the following locations:

• Tuesday 13 May at Beaconsfield Market - 9:30am to 3pm
• Wednesday 14 May at Aylesbury Market - 9am to 2pm
• Saturday 17 May at Buckingham Market - 9:30am to 4pm
• Wednesday 21 May at The Gateway, Aylesbury - 12pm to 5pm
• Friday 23 May at High Wycombe Town Centre - 9:30am to 4pm

Alternatively join us for an in-person information evening on Wednesday 21 May at The Gateway, Aylesbury from 6:30-8pm. You will have the chance to meet the fostering team, hear first-hand accounts from our foster carers and hear the full details of what support we have available for our foster carers.

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For more information on the new package of benefits for foster carers visit our website.