PEOPLE are being urged to put themselves forward as foster carers in London.
The London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster City Council, made the call ahead of a major fostering conference taking place later this month.
“We are keen to hear from more people from a wide variety of backgrounds who can provide a loving home to look after a child,” said Caroline Keane, Team Manager of the recruitment team.
“Hammersmith & Fulham, The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster City Council have an on-going recruitment policy, seeking to recruit foster carers with a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, to reflect the diverse needs of the children and young people in our care.”
She encouraged Irish Post readers to attend the information event on February 19.
“Foster carers are provided with a comprehensive package of support including a weekly fee and allowance, a dedicated supervising social worker and on-going training,” she said.
The majority of people who enquire about fostering are between 30 and 59 years old, but Ms Keane stressed that there is no upper age limit. She said: “Perhaps your own children have grown up and moved out or you have recently retired and now have more time and space to commit to look after a child? If so we would love to hear from you.”
London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster City Council is currently launching a recruitment drive to place children who are over 11, sibling groups and children who need specialist care.
Fostering can last for as little as a few days, but some children cannot be returned to their family and need a permanent foster family to look after them for their minority.
“We need people who have got the time, space and energy to take on the challenges of caring for children who are unable to be looked after by their own families,” Ms Keane said. “Fostering makes positive and lasting differences to the lives of children and young people.”
The information event takes place at Hammersmith Town Hall on February 19 and begins at 10am.
For more information call 0800 169 3497 or email [email protected].
See More: Fostering, Irish, London
