Croydon Fostering Week aims to raise the profile of fostering and how it can transform the lives of local children and young people.
Croydon has a critical shortage of foster carers. Currently there are 231 children and young people looked after by 142 fostering households across the borough. But more carers are needed to provide safe and loving homes for local children so that they are not placed in foster homes far away from their families.
During the week, 3 to 9 March, the Croydon Council fostering team will be running a series of drop-in sessions for anyone wanting to find out more about becoming a foster carer. There is no need to book and social workers as well as current foster carers will be there to answer any questions.
In one of London’s most diverse boroughs, the Council is looking for people from all walks of life to care for Croydon’s vulnerable children and young people.
There is no single type of person who would make a ‘perfect’ foster carer, so enquiries are welcomed from anyone who has the capacity to look after children.
Croydon resident Charlene Dry started fostering for the borough five years ago. With the help, love and support of her birth children, she has provided a home and family for four babies, and is currently fostering a 10 year old.
Charlene said of her experience: “The support I get from Croydon Council is amazing. I have a supervising social worker who has been with me from the opening evening to right up until now. Anyone at Croydon Council that I call to ask a question, they’re always there to answer, so you always feel like you’re supported.”
Drop-in sessions
The Council fostering team will be hosting drop-in sessions for anyone wanting to find out more. Residents are welcome to turn up at any of the below venues without booking, or visit: https://www.croydon.gov.uk/foster-croydon to make an application.
4 March, 10am to 1pm
Venue: The Urban Room, Units 161-162, Whitgift Centre, Croydon CR0 1UQ.
Virtual Information Session, 5.45pm to 7pm
Join online for a friendly discussion about the role of a foster carer from experienced social workers and foster carers.
5 March, 4.30pm to 7pm
Venue: St George’s Hall, Elstan Way, Shirley, Croydon CR0 7PR
6 March, 10am to 2pm
Venue: The Arc Café, 9 Weston Drive, Caterham, CR3 5XY
7 March, 11am to 4pm
Venue: Thornton Heath Leisure Centre, 100 High Street, CR7 8LF
“Becoming a foster carer can be a really rewarding experience for all involved. Our borough has many people who would make great foster parents, with the ability to transform the lives of our vulnerable young people.
“Croydon Fostering Week provides a great opportunity for anyone interested in opening their home and supporting a vulnerable child, to get more information and ask any questions to help them take the next step.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
