From the 15-28 May, West Sussex residents are invited to take part in Foster Care Fortnight to help raise awareness of the urgent need for more foster carers in our community.
The annual, national campaign is organised by the Fostering Network and aims to raise the profile of fostering, show how foster carers transforms lives, and encourage more people to consider becoming a foster carer.
There are currently 850 children in West Sussex seeking a safe, loving, and local place to call home. More foster carers are urgently needed in West Sussex.
Foster carers in West Sussex are supported by a community of carers and social workers, receive extensive training and professional support, as well as a competitive financial package of up to £28,500 a year (per child) and a range of other benefits.
The theme for Foster Care Fortnight 2023 is #FosteringCommunities, celebrating the strength and resilience of fostering communities.
A range of colouring sheets have been created by a child currently under the care of the council, accompanied by information about what makes a great carer, provided by the Children in Care Council (CiCC).
As part of Foster Care Fortnight, West Sussex residents are encouraged to print, colour in, and display these in windows and noticeboards. Photographs of completed artwork can also be emailed to the Fostering Recruitment Team or uploaded to social media tagging Fostering West Sussex on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and including the hashtag #FosteringCommunities.
Jacquie Russell, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said: “Foster Care Fortnight is an important opportunity to shine a light on the dedication and compassion of our existing foster carers in West Sussex, whilst highlighting the urgent need for more.
“Fostering can be an incredibly rewarding role and we provide a comprehensive support package. So, if you are eager to help children
and young people to fulfil their potential and have a spare room, I urge you to consider becoming a foster carer. Please get in touch with our friendly team who can help you get started.”
You can read more about Foster Care Fortnight in West Sussex in the article ‘Foster Care Fortnight – Help Fly The Flag For Fostering This May’, which includes a PDF download of the free artwork colouring templates and what you can do to support the campaign.
If you’d like to find out more about becoming a foster carer, please get in touch with the friendly Fostering Recruitment team on 0330 222 7775 or visit fosteringwestsussex.org.uk.
