If you have ever thought about fostering a child, then National Care Day is the perfect time to find out more.
In honour of National Care Day, recognising and celebrating all the children and young people in care, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council is asking anyone who lives in and around our borough to get in touch as we urgently need more foster carers.
If you are able to provide a stable, happy and supportive home, be a positive role model, and have a spare bedroom, then please come along to one of our fostering information events. With talks from our Supervising Social Workers and amazing Foster Carers you’ll get a real insight into fostering and learn more about the support and training you receive if you become part of our Fostering Community. And you’ll also get a chance to ask us any questions.
Our next face to face information events will be held at The Tickfield centre, Tickfield Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6LL, between 10am and 12pm on:
- Wednesday 16 March 2022
- Thursday 28 April 2022
We also have the option to attend the information events online between 6.30pm and 8pm on:
- Wednesday 23 February 2022
- Monday 28 March 2022
- Thursday 19 May 2022
Cllr Laurie Burton, cabinet member for Children and Learning, said: “We are constantly looking for more foster families who are able to give care and support to some of the most vulnerable children in Southend who for whatever reason are unable to stay with their birth parents.
“We welcome interest and applications from all and there is no upper age limit for foster carers. They can come from all walks of life whatever their race, religion, gender, class, sexuality or disability, and may be married, single, in a stable long-term relationship, divorced, widowed, in employment or unemployed.
“Most importantly, children need to be placed with those who can understand and promote the cultural, religious, physical and emotional needs and be committed to their long-term welfare.
“We would very much encourage anyone who might have considered fostering to come along to our events and find out more. Our foster carers tell us that it’s important to them that they don’t have to wait months to help a local child or young person; we always try to find a foster home with our own foster carers first so we can keep a child near their family, friends and school.
“Finally, we are committed to supporting and providing training for our foster carers to make sure they are equipped to enjoy and succeed in this enjoyable and challenging role.”
The benefits of joining our Fostering Community
- a rewarding role, making an enormous difference to a local child
- help care for more local children as we always try to find a foster home with our own foster carers first
- a dedicated social worker who works closely with internal colleagues who are also involved in supporting children in our care
- 24/7 support from our local team of experienced social workers and foster carers
- access to a professional support team of mental health practitioners, teachers and social workers
- generous allowances for each child you look after and a fee paid weekly. Most foster carers do not pay tax on their fostering income
Tina, Foster Carer for 9 years, said: “One of the children I look after was very quiet initially but as our home was local to his friends, family and school he soon settled in and has just got four 9s in his GCSEs!! We’re so proud of him and 100% behind his dream to go to Cambridge or Oxford!”
Stella, Foster Carer for 2 years, said: “Fostering is an opportunity to offer a loving home and a bright future to a child. I’ve found it an absolute joy, very satisfying and not regretted it. Give it a go, to find out for yourself.”
For more information call 01702 212938, email fostering@southend.gov.uk or visit www.southendfostering.co.uk