People who are interested in becoming foster carers were invited to an information event and afternoon tea at the Ramada Park Hall Hotel on Tuesday (20 March, 2018).

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The event took place in the upper orangery and was attended by 18 potential foster carers who came to find out more about this rewarding role. Many are now taking the next steps on the journey to become foster carers for children and young people in Wolverhampton.

Councillor Val Gibson, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, welcomed the guests to the event before Alison Hinds, Head of Looked After Children, introduced some of the City's existing foster carers who went on to share their experiences.

Foster carer Emma-Jane Kisby said: "I'm glad I was able to help out and it was good to talk to so many people thinking about fostering for Wolverhampton.

"Becoming a foster carer has changed my life completely for the better; it's not just changed my career, it's a vocation.

"Fostering is about giving the most vulnerable children in society a loving and safe home. When that child looks at you and smiles, you know you've made them feel safe and that is the best reward ever."

Councillor Gibson said: "This was a really positive event, and it was good that so many local people who are interested in fostering were able to join us to find out more details.

"Some of them have already been thinking about fostering for some time and are ready to progress to the next stage. Others were just at the beginning of their journey and interested in finding out more.   

"We have many fantastic foster families in Wolverhampton, giving hundreds of children the best possible start in life by offering them a supportive environment in a loving home. But we urgently need more as there are dozens of children waiting for a home. Hopefully this week we have found a few more who are suitable to take on this vital role."

The Fostering for Wolverhampton team hope that even more households will take on this life changing role in 2018. For more information, please visit Type=links;Linkid=8022;Title=Fostering for Wolverhampton;Target=_blank; or call 01902 551133.

Tuesday's event - which formed part of the Live, Learn, Work programme of events for residents between 14 March and 31 March, 2018 - is one of over 50 recruitment sessions which are planned for this year. The next is an information evening at Molineux Stadium on Tuesday (27 March) from 6.30pm to 8pm. For more details, please visit Type=links;Linkid=10232;Title=Fostering events;Target=_blank;.

  • released: Friday 23 March, 2018