IF your New Year’s resolution was to do more good, a drop-in session at the Drake Road Community Centre in Chafford Hundred could put you on the right track.
Foster carers are desperately needed locally and Thurrock Council’s fostering team will be at the centre from 9 am to noon on Wednesday, 22 January to give advice and information on becoming a foster carer.
People are needed from all ethnic backgrounds to meet the different needs of local children and at present there is a shortage of Black African foster carers. Carers are also needed for teenagers and sibling groups.
The team will be able to answer questions on the process, training and support offered as well as on types of payment, which are no less than £267 a week.
Cllr Bukky Okunade, portfolio holder for children’s social care, said: “We all know how the start of the New Year can feel like back to the old routine.
“Our foster carers often say that making the decision to foster is life-changing in a really good way and the rewards are great, so if you’ve ever considered fostering the drop-in session is an ideal way to find out more in an informal setting.”
There will also be an information session on private fostering on the following day (Thursday, January 23), this time at the Culver Centre, South Ockendon, between 9.30am and 11.30am.
Private fostering is an arrangement where any child aged nought to 16 years (18 if disabled) is living with someone other than the parent, grandparents, older sibling, paternal or maternal aunt or uncle for 28 days or more.
This free session will equip anyone working with children or families and members of the public with information on private fostering, their responsibilities and the notification procedure.
For more information on either event call 01375 625615 or 01375 652624.
