Applications are now open to become an ambassador as part of The Fostering Network’s Fostering Excellence programme in Wales.

The Fostering Network is looking for twelve ambassadors, six care experienced young people and six foster carers, to represent and be the voice of young people in care in Wales and the Welsh foster carer community.

The ambassador scheme will raise the profile of fostering in Wales, strengthen and develop sustainable networks of support within the Welsh foster care community, help shape fostering policy and practice, and give foster carers and young people the skills and confidence to play an active role within the community.

Fostering Excellence is an exciting new three-year programme from The Fostering Network, funded by Welsh Government, which aims to improve the life chances of looked after children and young people in Wales. Through seven distinct areas of work, including the ambassadors scheme, Fostering Excellence will support foster carers to provide permanent, stable and aspiring homes, and ensure that the experience of looked after children in Wales is improved.

Maria Boffey, programmes manager at The Fostering Network wales, said: ‘At The Fostering Network we are committed to giving foster carers and care experienced young people a strong voice in shaping the work that we do. With their unique experience and expertise they can help us do better as we seek to improve the fostering community as a whole.

‘We hope to see our youth ambassadors developing a great reputation for speaking out about their experiences, reducing the stigma and educating others about being in care. They will voice their opinions, inform decisions and share their powerful experiences to people from all different backgrounds. We also hope they will help influence decision makers and the media.

‘Our foster carer ambassadors will be helping to shape our programmes by liaising with other foster carers and ensuring views are fed into projects. We also expect that they will be speaking at events, offering peer support, showcasing the transformational power of foster care and influencing foster care policy and practice across Wales.’

How to apply

If you are interested in applying, or know someone who you think would make a good ambassador, please visit our website for the full adverts and application forms. 

The deadline for applications is Wednesday 4 January 2017.