Could You Change Futures By Becoming A Foster Carer?

Fostering roadshow events in Wimbledon will help you find out more

Fostering in Merton

A series of roadshow events are being held across Merton, including two in Wimbledon, during Foster Care Fortnight (13-26 May) to recruit more foster carers, particularly for siblings, teenagers and unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.

Each event will be an informal way to find out more about fostering from Merton Council’s fostering team, who will provide information about the application process and the comprehensive support provided to foster carers by the council.

A foster carer will also be at every roadshow to talk about their experiences of fostering and answer questions.

The Foster Care Fortnight roadshows will be held at the following locations:

  • 13 May 6pm – 8pm Pizza Express, High Street, Wimbledon
  • 15 May 10am -1pm Sainsbury’s, Morden
  • 18 May 10.30am – 1.30pm Wimbledon Piazza
  • 20 May 11am – 12.30pm Coco Beanz, Morden
  • 22 May 6pm -7.30pm Morden Baptist Church
  • 24 May 10.30am-1.30pm Sainsbury’s, Colliers Wood.

Merton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Councillor Kelly Braund, said: “In Merton, we believe that foster families change futures. Our foster carers come from a whole range of backgrounds, but what unites them all is a desire and ability to help children and young people in care to fulfil their potential.

“During Foster Care Fortnight, our foster care team have drop-in events for people to find out more about fostering and the support that the council offers to our foster families. So if you’re curious about how fostering works, are thinking about fostering in the future or have already decided you would like to foster – we’d be delighted to meet you.”

Anyone can foster a child, provided they are aged 21-years-old or over, have experience with children and young people, a spare bedroom and enough time, patience, resilience and understanding to take on the role.

Applications are welcomed from people from all backgrounds, regardless of whether they have their own children; their educational background, marital status or sexual orientation. Foster carers can own their own home or live in rented accommodation; work part-time or be in receipt of benefits and still be eligible to be paid as a foster carer.

To find out more about fostering a child, visit: http://www.merton.gov.uk/fostering call 0800 073 0874 or 020 8545 4070 or email: fostering@merton.gov.uk.

 

May 9, 2019