Fitzgerald Fostering creates a foundation for care leavers, offering grants for training, housing, and job support.
The Fitzgerald Foundation helps these young adults. It was created by Fitzgerald Fostering, a fostering agency in Bracknell. OFSTED has rated it “Outstanding” since 2018.
Grants will fund many things, for example, interview travel and rental deposits. Training courses could get funding too.
Jonathan Bruce runs Fitzgerald Fostering and chairs the Foundation. He says that many fostered children get great care, but support after eighteen is limited, with low funding.
Barnardo’s research shows that a third of care leavers become homeless within two years. About thirty-five percent are unemployed and not in training or education at ages nineteen to twenty-one.
The Fitzgerald Foundation wants to prevent this and aims to bridge the support gap. It’s sad if young people struggle after care, as foster carers give so much support already. The Foundation offers quick, practical help to transition from foster care.
The Foundation’s simple goal is equal chances for young adults to confidently enter the next life phase. Fitzgerald Fostering and fundraising will fund it.
Grant applications will be assessed individually by a panel chaired by Jonathan Bruce. Lesley Fitzgerald and James Townend, co-founders of Fitzgerald Fostering, will also be on it. Independent experts will help too.
The Foundation shows Fitzgerald Fostering’s dedication to fostered children’s success. The company gives carers all day support and training, ensuring good outcomes.
Bracknell Forest Council aids care leavers, too. They offer info online and have a Care Leavers Council.
Foster homes differ from children’s homes, as private families adopt kids in foster homes, whereas care companies run children’s homes.