Foster Care Fortnight
by Hammersmith and Fulham Press Office
12/05/2008
Are you interested in fostering?
Residents who might be able to provide a stable and supportive home for children at difficult times in their lives will be interested to know that Foster Care Fortnight is now taking place.
Foster Care Fortnight runs from May 12 to 25 and features a wide range of events both nationally and locally that aim to educate people about the joys and pleasures of fostering.
The council is responsible for 337 looked-after children and placing them with good foster carers and adopters is one of the keys to ensuring these children fulfil their potential. That’s why the council is always looking for more people who want to foster or adopt a child.
By promoting national Foster Care Fortnight locally, H&F’s Fostering Services aims to raise awareness of the benefits of becoming a foster carer.
Foster care provides a stable and supportive home for children at difficult times in their lives. Children of all ages may need temporary support – some for just a night or two, others for several years. Some children and young people are able to return to their original families, while others will go on to be placed with a permanent adoptive family.
Locally, Foster Care Fortnight was launched at Sir John Lillie Primary School in Fulham earlier today, 12 May, where Andrew Christie, Director of Children’s Services met with enthusiastic pupils who waved colourful flags they had decorated to raise awareness of foster care.
Cllr Antony Lillis said: "Fostering children can be demanding – but also extremely rewarding. We have a very good track record of recruiting foster carers but there are always vacancies for suitable people of all ages and backgrounds who can offer a secure home to children and young people. Our fostering and adoption team provides first-class support for looked-after children and their carers to help ensure they re well-matched. I would urge anyone who has considered fostering to give us a call to find out more."
As part of the range of activities planned during the fortnight, the council's fostering services unit will hold a fostering information evening on Tuesday 13 May, from 6 to 8 pm at Hammersmith Town Hall (Small Hall). A presentation will be given by foster carers covering topics such as the assessment process, the panel process, after panel process and caring for children. They will be happy to answer any questions. Information packs and refreshments will be available. To book a place or for more information about fostering contact 0800 169 3497.
As part of Foster Care Fortnight in Hammersmith & Fulham, the council also ran a competition for local primary pupils to design a poster to promote fostering and adopting Prizes, including gift vouchers, were awarded to the best entries. Winners of the competition were Rhiahna Greenidge, Kevin Lozano, Sara Dera. A similar competition was ran for ‘looked after’ children.
Fostering Services will also be running an information stall at Shepherds Bush Market from 10am to 4pm on Wednesday 14 May.
To find out more about fostering or adopting a child in Hammersmith & Fulham call freephone 0800 169 3497 or visit www.lbhf.gov.uk/fosteringandadopting.
