Call from county council for people to train as foster carers
West Sussex County Council is calling on people to make it their New Year resolution to become foster carers.
The fostering service has a particular need for people who are able to take care of siblings and/or older children.
Cllr Peter Evans, county council Cabinet member for children and families said: “If you’ve ever thought about giving a child a home and becoming a foster carer, I would urge you to make it your new year’s resolution for 2013.
“By giving a stable and dependable environment to a vulnerable child or young person, foster carers give them an invaluable chance to develop their skills and confidence, to rebuild their lives and fulfil their potential.”
Foster carers receive a comprehensive support package from the county council, including on-going training and financial allowances to meet the needs of the children and young people in their care.
A series of monthly drop-in sessions have been organised across the county for people who are interested in taking on the challenge of giving a loving and stable home to children in need.
The sessions give residents the chance to meet members of the fostering team and established foster carers to have an informal chat about whether or not fostering is the right path for them to take.
The next session in Crawley will be held at Crawley Library, Southgate Avenue, on Tuesday March 12 from 10am-4pm.
Cllr Evans added: “We don’t just need people to be good parents, we’re looking for people who are patient, energetic, with a good sense of humour and who will treat children and young people as individuals.”
Fostering can range from emergency and over-night care to a more long-term arrangement.
Sussex foster carers Jo and Barney Smart have been taking care of children for 26 years.
They said: “The wonderful thing about fostering, and especially long-term fostering, is that you see the kids grow up and make a life for themselves.
“We don’t think we are special or any different to anyone else.
“We just have enough love and enough room to foster and 26 years on, we are still doing it.
“We have never regretted this decision and we wouldn’t change a thing about our lives, or the children who have come through our door.
“At the beginning we did feel like we couldn’t cope, but back then there wasn’t the training or support you have now.”
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Friday 24 May 2013
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