In addition to my role as a Purley & Woodcote councillor, I am also Deputy Cabinet Member for Children and Young People.
Last month, I attended an event at Christ Church, Purley put on by the Foster Care team at the Council to encourage more people to step forward and become foster carers for our Borough's vulnerable children and young people.
Purley, in particular has been identified as a Council target area for more foster carers. At least 30 new fostering households are needed every year to keep up with the numbers of children coming into care - and the Council is looking for people from all walks of life who can offer a safe, stable and loving home environment for a child who desperately needs it. There are currently 525 children in care across the Borough.
Since the event at Christ Church, I am delighted that Croydon Council is taking part in a ground-breaking national collaboration of 56 local authorities across the nation to support the creation of a short film to raise awareness of fostering and boost recruitment.
The film called Childhood follows the journey of Sophie and Charlie who are in a very difficult home situation where their needs are not being met, to being nurtured and supported through foster care to attend school and be able to enjoy their hobbies and interests. In other words, have a childhood.
It premiered last month at the Everyman cinema in Birmingham and will be seen across the communications channels of collaborating local government bodies.
Foster carers make a huge difference to young people's lives - providing greater stability, love and guidance. They also offer a way out of breaking the cycle of disadvantage. I'd encourage anyone thinking about fostering to get in touch with the fostering team to find out more and I hope Croydon Council's efforts lead to greater numbers of residents coming forward.
Cllr Samir Dwesar
