Croydon’s fostering service aims to recruit 30 new fostering households this year to help care for children in safe, healthy and happy homes. Perhaps some of those new carers could come from Purley Oaks & Riddlesdown.
Croydon’s borough-wide recruitment campaign is aimed at residents who have a passion for caring for young people, in particular: teenagers, sibling groups, children with disabilities and unaccompanied asylum seeking children.
Brian Amos, fostering service manager, said: “We are looking for people from all backgrounds to step forward. We accept applications from single carers and households, those who work and those who are retired. We want to hear from people from the LGBTQ+ community, people from all faiths and all ethnic backgrounds.
“The most important things we ask are that you have the time in your life to care for a young person/people, are passionate about wanting them to thrive and can say with certainty that you will be there for them.”
Safia was a primary school teacher before she became a foster carer for Croydon. She said: “Over the years I taught many children who were in care. I saw the compassion, care and patience with which their foster carers worked and the difference their care made to the children. I felt I had the qualities to do the same.”
Safia has looked after a total of 15 young people and is committed to providing an environment where they can flourish and achieve their potential: “I love it when the children in my care settle, gain confidence and start making progress. The visible change from the frightened and traumatised children that walk through the door, to the happy and confident young people they become is the most rewarding aspect of my role.”
Croydon offers 24/7 support, a dedicated supervising social worker, an experienced foster carer as a mentor and comprehensive training to prepare applicants for the role.
Brian Amos added: “Fostering isn’t without its challenges. The children and young people coming into the service will need dedicated time and support to overcome some of their earlier childhood experiences. However, there is round-the-clock support from the fostering team, other fostering families and the wider organisation…you are never on your own.”
The fostering team is running regular online information events for anyone wanting to know more about the role of a foster carer, the assessment process and the support and training on offer:
Thursday 6th May @ 6pm
Tuesday 18th May @ 11am.
To register, or for any information on fostering for Croydon, please call 0300 222 2112 or email [email protected]
