The Best Guide for the CR0 Area

FOSTER CARERS NEEDED IN CROYDON

 Potential carers are invited to an information session being held at the Town Hall in Katherine Street at 10 am on Saturday 15 March.

     At the session there will be a presentation and information about the support and training available to those who are willing to take on this rewarding responsibility.

     Foster carers are required for children of all ages, ranging from babies to teenagers, but carers are particularly needed for children and young people aged between 10 and 17, from white British, black African and Caribbean backgrounds or dual-heritage backgrounds.

     These young people are likely to have difficulties in their relationships with others, struggle in education and may not even be in school.  They may be experiencing emotional and behavioural difficulties which will present a challenge to anyone offering to care for them.  Therefore the carers will need to have experience of working with or looking after young people, and because of their needs, should not have younger children in the household.

     Foster carers are also needed to look after babies and preschool children. These carers will need to be at home full-time and be able assist in contact with birth families up to five times a week. There is also a need for more foster carers who can accommodate up to three siblings.

     Croydon's cabinet member for children's services and adult learning, Councillor Maria Gatland, said: "We desperately need more dedicated carers to help and support these young people and babies. Fostering is a big commitment but it can also be very rewarding. By providing some continuity in these children's troubled lives you can help them reach their potential and become independent and confident adults."

     Foster carers in Croydon are given ongoing help and advice including a mentoring scheme, a confidential counselling service and a 24-hour support service from qualified social workers. Carers can also take the opportunity to become NVQ-qualified in caring for children and young people.

     If you are unable to attend the information meeting, please phone 0800 389 0129 with your details and a fostering information pack will be sent to you.