Fostering: Making a difference
From Councillor Ken Meeson, Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Young People on 15 February 2010
Solihull Council is looking for more foster carers to give children across the borough the secure and stable home they deserve.
Anyone interested in fostering is invited to come along to an information evening on Wednesday 3 March to find out how they can make a difference to a child’s life. The event will be held from 7-9pm at the Civic Suite, behind the Council House in Solihull.
People of all ages, cultures and backgrounds are encouraged to come along – whether married, single or in a long-term relationship. Potential foster carers don’t need to be a homeowner, but do need to have a spare bedroom for a child.
Foster carer Jo Gardiner-Damms who will be attending the information evening to talk about her role as a carer has been fostering for Solihull Council for over 10 years.
She said: “I have cared for 34 children and young people aged between 2 weeks and 17 years who, for many different reasons, were unable to live at home. Some stayed for just a few nights or weeks while others lived with us for many months or years but each of them brought new challenges and joys to our family and, hopefully gained a little ‘something’ from us to help them on their own journey through life.
“I have gained an NVQ level 3 in Caring for Children and Young People and have had the opportunity to attend a variety of training sessions each year so, all in all, it is not only a career that is enormously rewarding but one ‘with prospects’ too!”
Councillor Ken Meeson, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “Fostering ultimately makes a real difference in a child’s life with their confidence and self esteem growing under the foster parents’ care. We need more people to come forward and foster so that more children can fulfil their potential and enjoy a brighter future.
“We are looking for people who have the skills, qualities and experience required to look after children separated from their families. There are many different ways to get involved – it’s even possible to foster on a part-time basis. I encourage anyone who has ever thought about fostering to come along to the information evening to find out more.”
For more information, call 0800 073 0769, email ssplace@solihull.gov.uk or click here.
For media enquiries only, contact Dave Musson on 0121 704 6136
Email: dmusson@solihull.gov.uk