Council launches campaign to find residents willing to foster a local child
Wandsworth Council is looking for generous and caring locals who are willing to foster a child. A borough-wide publicity drive will spell out how a place to stay in an ordinary home can make an extraordinary difference to a young person's life.
Carers can be married or single, gay or straight, a homeowner or renting, and from any cultural background. All they need is a spare bedroom, the willingness to adapt and the desire to help someone in need.
The council offers a range of support and training to help people meet the challenges involved and provide the stable, caring environment in which young people can thrive. Carers also receive allowances and fees to cover the financial costs involved.
Executive member for children's services Cllr Kathy Tracey says:
"Opening up your home to a vulnerable child is an incredibly generous, valuable and rewarding thing to do. It can make a huge difference to a young person's life and give them the sanctuary they need at a time of real crisis.
"Sadly, there are many caring people out there who would be willing to make this commitment but are under the false impression that their living arrangements would rule them out. This important campaign aims to break down those misconceptions and explain how simple and straightforward it is to get involved with fostering.
"You don't need to own your own home, you don't need to have children of your own and you don't need to be part of a couple. All you need is the space, motivation and desire to help.
"If you, or anyone you know fits this description then please visit the council’s new fostering webpage (www.wandsworth.gov.uk/fostering) to find out more."
The council is constantly in need of new recruits to replace those who are retiring from fostering and to help look after the growing number of children in need of care.
Foster carers can be couples or single, but at least one must be aged between 25 and 60 and be in good health.
For more information visit www.wandsworth.gov.uk/fostering or contact the fostering team on 020 8871 6666
Alternatively, go along to the next Fostering Information Meeting which take place from 7pm to 9pm, Wednesday 5 January 2011 at the Holiday Inn Express, Smuggler's Way, SW18 1EG - near Wandsworth Town train station.
December 13, 2010