Reviews show it is a rewarding career
Merton Council is calling for more adults of all ages and backgrounds to become foster carers and say reviews show it is a rewarding career.
Figures show that, once approved, Merton foster carers tend to stay for an average of seven years, with the longest serving foster carer staying on for over 20 years.
Becoming a foster carer can enable parents whose children have left home to earn money using their their parenting skills. Alternatively, parents with children still at home can gain extra financial support by taking in a foster child.
Councillor Maxi Martin, cabinet member for children’s services at Merton Council said: "Foster carers have one of the most important, challenging and influential roles in our community. They provide loving and stable homes to children who need them the most.
"The fact that our existing foster carers want to stay with us illustrates the high level of support and service we give to our carers. We directly place children with our carers, month after month, year after year. We build an on-going relationship and match the right carer and child together, understanding both the child’s and carer’s needs.
"There is a national shortage of foster carers and Merton is no exception. We need people who think they can offer a child a bedroom in a kind and understanding home to give us a call."
Merton foster carer Jacqui Brownnnut said: "Often these children are not born into what they deserve and knowing we as a family can offer them some happiness and hopefully make a real difference in their lives is hugely rewarding."
Merton’s Fostering Service is particularly keen to recruit people who are open to fostering teenagers. However, the need for foster carers is not limited to this group and foster carers are needed for a wide variety of children from all backgrounds.
To find out more, ring Merton Council Fostering Department on 0208-545-4277 or email fostering@merton.gov.uk.
August 5, 2010