Keeping children safe in Doncaster.
Looked after children in Doncaster are set to join a brand new Junior Membership scheme, as the club announced exciting plans for the 2016/17 season.
Doncaster Rovers has launched two new packages, Donny’s Squad (juniors aged under 11) and the Red Squad (juniors aged 12-16) to give young people supporting the club a range of great benefits which you can read about HERE.
And through the club’s partnership with Doncaster Children’s Services Trust (DCST), the membership could stand to see an influx of new members.
The new junior memberships are being launched during Private Fostering Week (4-10 July), through which DCST are asking Doncaster residents to help them ensure the safety and wellbeing of local children who don’t live at home with their parents or close relative.
Private fostering is when someone who is not a close relative cares for another person’s child for 28 days or more. Anyone involved in a private fostering arrangement is required by law to tell the Trust about these arrangements so that these children can be kept safe and their carers can get the support that they may be entitled to.
Local private foster carer Jenny* has been looking after fifteen year-old Mark* for the last 18 months.
Jenny said: “I agreed to care for Mark, because of bereavement within his family. I was asked by his mother if I could look after him so that he could live close to friends and school after his mother went to live abroad. We informed Doncaster Children’s Services Trust about the agreement and I was allocated a private fostering social worker, who made sure that Mark was safe and being properly cared for. My social worker continues to support me.
“Mark has settled down well and is happy living with me. His mum is coming over to visit later in the summer and we are in regular contact with her so she is kept informed about Marks progress at school and knows that he is being looked after by someone she knows and trusts.”
The partnership between Doncaster Rovers and DCST will see a range of activities taking place throughout the coming season to raise the profile of their work, and the ongoing need for foster carers in the town.
Mark Douglas, Chief Operating Officer for Doncaster Children’s Services Trust said: “Private foster carers often step in at a very difficult time and they do a really good and important job and raising awareness of children who may be cared for under these circumstances is the responsibility of everyone in Doncaster. If you know of any child who is being cared for privately we are asking you to let us know.”
For more information about private fostering visit www.doncasterchildrenstrust.co.uk/private-fostering or contact Doncaster Children’s Services Trust on 01302 734100.
(*Jenny and Mark are not their real names)
Terms and conditions: To take advantage of the savings, supporters must purchase match tickets before midnight on the day prior to the game either online, calling 01302 762 576 or visiting the Keepmoat Stadium Box Office.
To join either Donny’s Squad or the Red Squad CLICK HERE to download the application form and return it to the Keepmoat Stadium Box Office.
Please also note that if you are already a member of the Junior Rovers you will have to re-register with our new junior memberships.
Adult Memberships are also available for just £10, CLICK HERE for more information.