Help us make their childhood a safe and secure one
Could you bring a child in to the safety and stability of your home and make them part of your family until they reach adulthood?
Long term foster carers are needed for children in Telford and Wrekin who need your help in building their future, improving their prospects and giving them the chance to develop.
They include Harry, an eight year old with Autism who likes lots of cuddles, loves animals, food, helping in the kitchen and spending the time in the countryside. But he doesn’t like crowds or noisy places. His family struggled to look after him because he needed lots of attention.
There’s Rhea, a nine year old well-mannered girl who is active and energetic. She has difficulty going to sleep at night and can be challenging , but she is learning and apologises for her behaviour.
And there are sister and brother Chloe aged 6 and Nathan aged 4. Chloe enjoys riding her bike, playing football and going to school. Nathan, who also likes football, sometimes finds it difficult to manage his feelings about his past. He needs someone to love him and assure him that he is safe.
Suzi, 34 has been a foster carer for 11 years. Throughout that time she has looked after a girl who was brought into her care at the age of six. Suzi said: “11 years ago she was wild. There were a few times when I did think ‘why am I doing this?’ but I went into fostering to see a child through. It’s never the child’s fault why they are here.
There is no one type of person who makes a good foster carer but there are some qualities that help: experience of listening to children, the confidence to handle difficult situations and the flexibility to try out new things. Experience of looking after disabled children or children with challenging behaviour is also a bonus.
A foster family will need a spare bedroom as all foster children need a bedroom of their own.
Councillor Paul Watling, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Communities, said: “If you have the time, patience and a spare bedroom and could open your home to make a difference to a local child’s life – we want to hear from you.
“Many people want to foster local children but don’t think they have the skills to foster, don’t rule yourself out from enquiring. We will be holding a recruitment event in October; come along or get in touch with the team for more information and to find out if you’re suitable.”
Reflecting on her experiences, foster carer Suzi said: “I think that long term fostering is a joy. You get to know the child deeply, like you would your own child. Go for it!”
Many people want to foster local children but don’t think they have what it takes.
Come and see us at a recruitment event at Abraham Darby leisure centre on 15 September between 5pm and 7pm or a presentation evening about long term fostering on 19 October between 6-8pm at the Ramada Hotel Telford. To book on either event call 01952 387387
More information about fostering both long term and mainstream fostering go to http://www.telfordfostering.co.uk/
The names and photograph used in this article are fictitious to protect the children’s identities.
