Children need foster parents to come forward
A campaign to find loving homes for the borough’s 315 looked after children has been launched.
Hounslow Council is using Foster Care Fortnight (14-27 May) to launch the campaign to encourage more people to think about becoming foster carers.
As well as advertising across the borough, staff from the fostering team will be giving people the chance to find out more at a series of information stalls in Hounslow, Feltham and Staines, and at information sessions being held at the Civic Centre.
Seventeen year old Michael, originally from Chiswick, is one of the borough’s looked after children. Talking about being in foster care, he said:
“It’s not a problem, I’m honest with people and no-one has an issue with it.
“I was originally placed with another carer, but when they went on holiday I was placed with my current carers for a break and liked them so much I asked my social worker if I could stay.
“They’re great - really generous, kind and loving.”
Cllr Lily Bath, cabinet member for children and families at the London Borough of Hounslow, said:
“Foster carers provide a safe and welcoming home for children and young people who need it most.
“They come from all walks of life. Some are married, some single, some work full-time, others don’t. The one thing they all have in common is that they all made the decision to get in touch to find out more.
“We offer excellent advice and support for our foster carers and a generous allowance is paid to help meet the needs of each child placed.
“We always have children and young people who need fostering in the borough, so I strongly encourage anyone who thinks they could offer a safe and welcoming home to get in touch.”
To find out more about becoming a foster carer, visit www.hounslow.gov.uk/fostering or call the council’s fostering team on 0800 731 8558.
The fostering team will be running information stalls on:
Information sessions are being held at the Civic Centre, Hounslow, on:
May 11, 2012