Across Wolverhampton, foster carers are helping to give scores of local children the best possible start in life by offering them a supportive environment in a loving home.
But more foster families are urgently needed as there are currently dozens of youngsters in Wolverhampton waiting for a foster home - and Wolverhampton City Council's Fostering Team is keen to hear from individuals and couples who want to find out more about this vital role.
Councillor Val Gibson, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: "Here in Wolverhampton we are very lucky to have so many dedicated foster carers who combine a desire to help children with a dedication to providing the best possible care.
"But we have more youngsters who are looking for a permanent foster home. Fostering can truly be a life changing experience, both for foster carers and the young person they care for, and we'd love to hear from people who are interested in helping local children by fostering."
Foster carers can be sole carers, married or in a relationship - and they won't be on their own as 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.
The city council's foster carers receive 6 months' "buddy support" from experienced foster carers who are there to befriend and guide them through the system.
Supervising social workers provide intensive support for the first 6 weeks of a placement and then every month thereafter, while foster carers can get help through a peer support network.
People can find out more about fostering in Wolverhampton by attending one of the drop in sessions over the next few weeks. They are taking place on:
- Thursday 25 September, 4pm to 8pm, Meeting Room 1, 3rd floor, Civic Centre, St Peter's Square, Wolverhampton
- Saturday 11 October, 10am to 3pm, Woodland Suite, Aldersley Leisure Village, Aldersley Road, Aldersley
- Tuesday 21 October, 4pm to 8pm, Meeting Room 1, 3rd floor, Civic Centre, St Peter's Square, Wolverhampton
- Saturday 8 November, 10am to 3pm, Meeting Room, Bert Williams Leisure Centre, Nettlefolds Way, Bilston
Alternatively, people can also find out more by visiting Type=articles;Articleid=3758;Title=Fostering; where they can also watch video interviews with local foster carers, or by calling 01902 551133.
- released: Monday 22 September, 2014