You don’t need to be a superhero to be a foster carer! You simply need to have some experience of caring for children, a spare bedroom, and be kind and patient (a sense of humour also helps!).
Every child deserves to have a safe and loving home, where they can experience all that life has to offer and fulfil their potential.
While the children that West Sussex County Council cares for are all in safe accommodation, a number are living a significant distance from their school and friends. 65% of these young people are aged 11 to 17 and they are waiting to find a local foster family – someone like you – to guide them through this important time in their lives.
There are many types of care, from respite (usually one weekend a month) to Supported Lodgings, where you can help a young person aged 16-21 learn the skills needed to live independently.
Foster carers for WSCC receive comprehensive training, ongoing professional support and a competitive financial package of up to £30,393 per year, per child.
One WSCC foster carer, James, stated, “To be the first person to give a child hope, or care, or love… is the most rewarding thing I have ever done in my life”.
Could you open your heart and home to a local child? Contact the friendly team on 0330 222 7775, email fostering@westsussex.gov.uk or visit fosteringwestsussex.org.uk/info-sessions to book onto an online information session.