Fostering Fortnight

Havering marks Foster Care Fortnight with a series of events

​Havering Council is marking the national Foster Care Fortnight 2014 with a series of events, allowing people interested in fostering to find out all they need to know.

​The annual fortnight runs from Monday 12 to Sunday 25 May. It is run by the Fostering Network and aims to raise the profile of fostering.

Havering will be holding two information events in Romford Market Place, on Friday 16 and Friday 23 May, followed by an event at Havering Town Hall on Tuesday 27 May, to mark this year’s campaign.

The borough currently has around 90 foster carers and is always in need of more. At any time there are around 200 children and young people in care, who need stable, loving homes.

Foster carers are responsible for looking after a child or young person, ensuring they go to school, keeping them healthy and providing everything they need.Carers receive generous financial allowances to cover all costs of caring for the child, which also includes money for birthday and Christmas presents, and holidays.

Anyone aged over 25 is able to apply to become a foster carer, you do not have to be married or own your own home, and sexuality and ethnicity do not make a difference. Anyone who has the time and space in their life for a child, and a passion for helping them to do well, can be a foster carer.

The fostering information events will allow anyone interested in fostering to ask questions, find out more and they can also speak to a current foster carer to find out more about their experience.

The events in the market place take place from 10am to 3pm and at the Town Hall from 6.30pm to 8pm.

Kathy Bundred, Head of Children's Services at Havering Council, said:

"Becoming a foster carer is one of the most important jobs anyone can do. Giving time and love, as well as a home, to a child in care can make all the difference to their future.

"The important thing to remember is children are just children, and children in care are no different to any others. Anyone who opens their home and becomes a foster carer has my complete admiration. I'd encourage anyone who's ever thought about fostering, whether a fleeting thought or a long-held ambition, to come along to our events and take that first step on one of the most rewarding journeys you can take."

Anyone who would like to find out more about fostering but cannot make the events should visit the Fostering pages.

You can also complete an online enquiry form​, call 01708 434574, or emailfostering@havering.gov.uk.