The Fostering for Wolverhampton team are hoping more households will take on this life changing role in 2018 - and are encouraging people who are interested in fostering to attend one of a series of drop in sessions next week where they can find out more.
They will be taking place at the following locations:
- Queen Square, Wolverhampton, Monday 29 January, 9am to 3.30pm
- Wolverhampton Civic Centre, St Peter's Square, Tuesday 30 January, 10am to 2pm
- Molineux Stadium, Tuesday 30 January, 6.30pm to 8pm
- Central Library, Snow Hill, Wednesday 31 January, 10am to 12pm
- Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Lichfield Street, Wednesday 31 January, 1.30pm to 3.30pm
- Waitrose, Penn Road, Thursday 1 February, 10am to 2pm
- Mander Centre, upper mall adjacent to Debenhams, Friday 2 February, 9am to 3.30pm
- Castlecroft Rugby Club, Sunday 4 February, 9.30pm to 1pm.
Anyone who cannot attend one of the drop in sessions is invited to find out more about Fostering for Wolverhampton by visiting Type=links;Linkid=8022;Title=Fostering for Wolverhampton;Target=_blank;, calling 01902 551133 or searching "Fostering for Wolves" on Facebook.
Carl Bradburn, who has been a foster carer for 18 months, said: "Fostering for Wolverhampton helps make my house a home - it enriches our lives and the young people bring us so much joy. I have 5 children of my own, plus a foster child, and it keeps the house young."
Emma Goodwin, who has been a foster carer for 8 years, added: "My children love having a foster child in the house - they see the little boy as their brother and have grown up over the years together. If anyone wants to foster I'd say go for it; it is a rewarding and fantastic job to do."
Councillor Val Gibson, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "We are very lucky to have so many dedicated foster carers who combine a desire to help children with a commitment to providing the best possible care, but we have more youngsters who are looking for a foster home.
"Foster carers can be single, married or in a relationship and help and support is available 24 hours a day. Placements can be anything from a few days to a number of years, and they receive a regular, tax exempt allowance to cover the cost of bringing up the child.
"Our foster carers receive 6 months' support from experienced carers who will guide them through the system, and we also provide intensive support for the first 6 weeks of a placement and every month thereafter.
"Our Fostering for Wolverhampton team will be at various locations in and around the City next week to meet people who want to find out more, and I would encourage anyone who is thinking of taking on this life changing role to please get in touch with us."
- released: Friday 26 January, 2018