Why we foster - Foster Care Fortnight
There’s an urgent need for more foster carers in the UK, with more than 6,800 children looking for a new foster family
It’s Foster Care Fortnight! Which means it’s time to celebrate and showcase the commitment, passion and dedication of our foster carers, whilst highlighting the need for more foster carers in and around Southampton.
There’s an urgent need for more foster carers in the UK, with more than 6,800 children looking for a new foster family. The greatest need is for foster carers for older children, sibling groups and disabled children – and Southampton is no different.
This year our campaign focuses on why foster carers decide to foster and what they gain from it. It’s based on our 2018 Foster Carer Survey responses and proves that fostering is not just a job, but a vocation that can provide immense satisfaction and pride.
Our foster carers and support workers are committed to breaking down the myths and barriers surrounding fostering and have generously shared their stories on our newly updated web pages and answered some of the most commonly asked questions across our social media channels.
Hilary Brooks, Service Director of Children’s Services said: “It’s concerning that we might be missing out on recruiting wonderful new carers simply because they assume that they are ineligible to foster. Here in Southampton we need to recruit another 20 foster families this year, so it’s essential that we challenge the misconceptions surrounding these perceived barriers to becoming qualified, so more people can come forward ready to help disadvantaged children when they need it the most.
“Children who come into the care of Southampton City Council do so because their birth families are unable to care for them. Many of them have experienced neglect and trauma. All of these children need a loving and stable home.
“So we’re asking anyone who has ever thought about fostering to come along and meet our friendly team at any of our events across the city during Foster Care Fortnight or get in touch.”
Kate has recently become a foster carer with Southampton City Council. She added: “Working for the police for ten years made me realise that we could do more and make a difference to a child’s life. My husband and I decided the time was right for us to give something back to the community, so we decided to foster.
"Putting a smile on a child’s face or teaching them something new is so rewarding, you get instant satisfaction, you don’t get that in many jobs. We hoped to make a difference and we are certainly doing that. It is hard to put in to words how rewarding it is.”
If you could give a child a brighter future we’d love to hear from you.
Call: 0800 5 19 18 18
Follow our campaign on #FCF19 #WhyWeFoster #NotJustAJob
Foster Care Fortnight Events
Tuesday 14 May 2019, Asda Eastleigh, 10am to 2pm
Wednesday 15th May, Central Library, 12 to 1.30pm
Thursday 16th May, Bitterne Leisure Centre, 10am-1pm
Tuesday 21st May, Asda, Totton, 10am-2.30pm
Thursday 23 May 2019, Shirley Library, 11:30am to 1:30pm
Hear our advert on Capital FM (13-26 May)
Why foster for Southampton City Council?
Southampton City Council provides a full fostering service, offering the highest chances of a successful placement, a wide range of placement types, and outstanding training opportunities to help you gain a diverse skill set. We offer our foster carers:
- High-level support from a qualified social worker and an office-based duty worker, as well as out-of-hours support
- High level of occupancy
- Excellent training
- A careful placement matching process
- Membership of the Southampton Foster Carers’ Association
- Advice and support from FosterTalk
