Could you offer a foster home?
From Cabinet Member for Education, Children and Young People, Councillor Ken Meeson on 30 September 2008
Solihull Council is looking for more foster carers to give children across the borough the support and care they need.
Residents are invited to come along to an information evening on Thursday 16 October to find out how they could make a difference to the life of a child by becoming a foster carer. The information evening is from 7 to 8pm at the Civic Suite, Rear of Solihull Council House, Off Churchill Road, Solihull.
People of all ages, cultures and backgrounds are encouraged to come along. You can be married, single or in a long-term relationship. You can own a home or live in rented accommodation.
Jan Sheldon has been fostering children for Solihull Council for 30 years. During this time she has welcomed more than 300 children into her home, all of different ages from new-borns to teenagers. She looked after one child for 14 years until he was ready to become independent. She says “Fostering is challenging but it is also hugely rewarding. It gives you a lot of pleasure knowing that you have done a good job. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else with my life. If anybody is interested in fostering go for it!”
Cabinet Member for Education, Children and Young People, Councillor Ken Meeson said: “Foster carers have a vital role to play in giving children in care the best possible start in life. We especially need more people to foster teenagers and asylum seeking children who have come to the UK from areas of war and unrest and have no carers or parents here. Anyone can apply to foster as long as they have the skills, qualities and experience required to look after children in care. There are many different ways to get involved – it’s even possible to foster on a part-time basis. We urge people to come to the information evening and find out more”.
Carers receive financial support, ongoing training and the opportunity to gain an NVQ level 3 in ‘Caring for Children and Young People’. Support is available 24 hours a day.
If you would like to find out more please phone 0800 073 0769, email ssplace@solihull.gov.uk or visit us at www.solihull.gov.uk/fostering
For media enquiries only phone Claire Jesson on 0121 704 6444
Email: cjesson@solihullcommunityhousing.org.uk