Search for foster carers to 'change children's lives' in West Sussex
Could you find space in your family for a child in need?
The work of West Sussex's foster carers is being highlighted - as an appeal goes out for more of them in the county.
The message has been put out by West Sussex County Council as part of Foster Care Fortnight, which runs from May 10th to 23rd.
The theme this year is #WhyWeCare and the West Sussex County Council will be using the fortnight to celebrate the vital work its carers do. The Council will also be promoting the real need for more foster carers in West Sussex, as a result of COVID-19 which has sadly seen more children come into care.
Natalie Wainwright from Worthing has been fostering with West Sussex County Council for nearly three years and currently cares for a young girl.
She said:
"When you make room in your family for a child who has experienced trauma, there will be challenges for sure. But there is no better feeling than being the one who gets to celebrate them, show up for them, empower them and see them flourish in spite of every obstacle. There's nothing I would rather be doing."
Natalie is a single carer and the council welcomes applications from individuals and couples.
People from all different backgrounds are wanted to match the diverse experiences of the children who are cared for by the local authority.
Mark and Scott from Crawley began fostering two young boys with West Sussex County Council just before the first lockdown in March 2020.
Mark said:
“The best things about being a foster carer? I have to say it’s being able to see that you’re making a difference to a young person’s life. You get to see them grow and develop, and ultimately have a happy and fulfilled childhood.
“If you’ve got a spare room and you’ve got a lot of love to give and you think you can make a difference to a child’s life, then do it. It’s something that we wish we’d done a lot sooner.”
Barry Kirwin is the County Council’s new Fostering Service Lead. Barry has been fostering himself for 10 years and during the pandemic has supported three parents and their children – a type of fostering the West Sussex County Council offers.
Barry said:
“I would like to say a huge thank you to every one of our fantastic foster carers who offer vital support and a loving home to a child who needs it.
“During the pandemic, more and more people have been finding out about fostering with West Sussex County Council which is fantastic.
However, the reality is that more children are coming into our care due to the impact of COVID-19. So the need for more foster carers in West Sussex has never been higher and we would love to hear from people who enjoy working with children, have a spare room and want to make a difference.”
In a recent survey, the majority of carers rated the Council’s fostering service 10/10 for the support they receive.
West Sussex County Council offer competitive allowances, full training and ongoing support. Extra support is being introduced for new carers, who benefit from being part of the biggest network of foster carers in the county.
If you are interested in fostering, you can contact the council’s recruitment team on 033 022 27775 or find out more and register your interest at the West Sussex County Council website.