People interested in becoming foster carers can find out more about this vital role at the first Fostering Friday event on 5 December, 2014.

Members of the Fostering for Wolverhampton team and some current foster care champions will be on the upper level of the Mander Centre (outside BHS) from 10am until 2pm for an informal chat with anyone considering taking that next step into fostering.

Across Wolverhampton, foster carers are helping to give scores of local children the best possible start in life by offering them a supportive environment in a loving home.

But more foster families are urgently needed as there are currently dozens of youngsters in Wolverhampton waiting for a foster home and Wolverhampton City Council's Fostering Team is keen to hear from individuals and couples who want to make a difference to a local child.

Councillor Val Gibson, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: "Here in Wolverhampton we are very lucky to have so many dedicated foster carers who combine a desire to help children with a dedication to providing the best possible care.

"But we have more youngsters who are looking for a permanent foster home. Fostering can truly be a life changing experience, both for foster carers and the young person they care for. We'd love to hear from people who have a spare room and love in their heart to help local children by fostering."

Foster carers can be sole carers, married or in a relationship - and they won't be on their own as help and support is available 24 hours a day. Placements can be anything from a few days to a number of years, and they receive a regular, tax exempt fee and allowance to cover the cost of bringing up the child.

The city council's foster carers receive 6 months "buddy support" from experienced foster carers who are there to befriend and guide them through the system.

Supervising social workers provide intensive support for the first 6 weeks of a placement and then every month thereafter, while foster carers can get help through a peer support network.

Fostering Friday will take place on the first Friday of every month from 10am to 2pm in the Mander Centre. People can find out more about fostering in Wolverhampton by attending any of the drop in sessions over the next few weeks and months. They are taking place on:

  • 5 December, 10am to 2pm - Fostering Friday in Mander Centre
  • 13 December, 10am to 3pm - Drop in session at Bert Williams Leisure Centre, Bilston
  • 19 December, 10am to 2pm - Drop in session in Mander Centre
  • 2 January, 10am to 2pm - Fostering Friday in Mander Centre
  • 6 February, 10am to 2pm - Fostering Friday in Mander Centre
  • 6 March, 10am to 2pm - Fostering Friday in Mander Centre
  • 3 April, 10am to 2pm - Fostering Friday in Mander Centre
  • 1 May, 10am to 2pm - Fostering Friday in Mander Centre

Alternatively, people can also find out more by visiting Type=articles;Articleid=3758;Title=Fostering;  where they can also watch video interviews with local foster carers, or by calling 01902 551133.

  • released: Wednesday 3 December, 2014