Last week, I was delighted to join Mayor Perry, Civic Mayor Flemming, Chief Executive Katherine Kerswell and Council officers from the Children’s Services team in celebrating Croydon’s foster carers and the amazing work they do in supporting our children and young people across the Borough.
The special appreciation evening took place at the Shirley Park Golf Club. These took place pre-pandemic and many remarked how lovely it was to be able to do this in-person after three years. I am pleased that this will be an annual event moving forward.
It was very moving to hear from carers about their experiences and from some of our young people themselves. It was clear in the room how much love there was – and how life changing foster carers have been for the young people we heard from.
Croydon is home to more young people than any other London borough, and the Council works with around 300 foster carers who care for babies and children up to 21 years of age, children with disabilities, young parents and their babies, and unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.
Foster carers are unsung, inspirational heroes. They work tirelessly to give vulnerable children and young people love, guidance and support – and play a major role in breaking cycles of disadvantage. It is not an easy role and I want to thank them for all they do. We have a shortage of foster carers in Croydon and need 30 new households every year to keep up with the numbers of children coming into care.
Anyone interested should visit the Council’s fostering page - Foster for Croydon.
