MEMBERS of the Thurrock Fostering Team will be on hand to talk to the public about fostering at the next information evening on Wednesday 9 February, 7pm at the Orsett Hall, Prince Charles Avenue, Orsett.
The evening starts with a presentation and is followed by an opportunity for prospective carers to chat with social workers and existing foster carers about the role.
There is always a great need for more foster carers and the Thurrock Fostering Team are always recruiting for people to provide this vital role.
Thurrock needs all types of carers, but especially welcomes enquiries from people who are able to offer care to teenagers or sibling groups.
Cllr Charles Curtis, Thurrock Council’s Cabinet member for Children’s Social Care, said: “Foster carers are very important to the council and we need to ensure the service is representative of our diverse community and the needs of the children who come into our care.
“This means making sure that we recruit carers from a wide range of cultures, backgrounds and ethnicities.”
He added: “If you think you could give something extra this year, I encourage you to contact the council’s fostering service to find out more about fostering – it really could change your life for the better.”
Childcare experience is not essential as many applicants have other transferable skills that could be suitable for the role of fostering; each application is assessed on an individual basis.
Being a carer for Thurrock means you will be fully supported from the time of enquiry and throughout your fostering career. There are lots of opportunities for training and a great selection of courses. Carers also have the full support of their own social worker on a day to day basis and access to a duty team for out of hours enquiries as well as the support foster carers provide to each other.
If you cannot make the open evening, but would like more information about fostering for Thurrock, please visit www.thurrockfostering.gov.uk www.thurrockfostering.gov.uk
E-mail to: fostering.adoption@thurrock.gov.uk or call 0800 6521256.
