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It will call into different parts of the city over the next few days, with members of the Fostering for Wolverhampton team on board to speak to people interested in taking up this life changing role.
Foster families are already giving hundreds of local children the best possible future by offering them a supportive environment in a loving home, but more are urgently needed - and the council is keen to hear from individuals and couples who want to make a difference.
People can find out more and have an informal chat by climbing aboard the Fostering for Wolverhampton bus at:
- Queen Square, Wolverhampton, on Monday 25 January
- Asda, Wolverhampton on Tuesday 26 January
- WV Active Bilston-Bert Williams, Nettlefolds Way, on Wednesday 27 January
- Bentley Bridge retail park, Wednesfield, on Thursday 28 January
- Waitrose, Wolverhampton, on Friday 29 January
The bus will be at each location from 10am to 3pm.
Jackie Bennett, who together with her husband Alan were made MBEs in the New Year's Honours List for services to children and families after fostering 179 children over the last 40 years, will be on the bus on Monday morning talking to people about her experiences of fostering.
Councillor Val Gibson, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "We are very lucky to have so many dedicated foster carers in Wolverhampton but we are always on the look out for more and so would love to hear from people who are considering fostering, and I'd encourage people to catch the Fostering for Wolverhampton bus next week to find out more.
"The council offers training and support to new foster carers, and they won't be left out of pocket as they receive a tax free allowance to cover the cost of bringing up the child."
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. They will 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. Placements can be anything from a few days to a number of years.
Anyone who cannot catch the bus at one of the roadshows can also find out more about becoming a foster carer by visiting Type=articles;Articleid=3758;Title=Fostering; or by calling 01902 551133.
- released: Friday 22 January, 2016