SPONSORED BY LAMBETH COUNCIL
Lambeth Council are appealing for local heroes to step forward and become foster carers. During Fostering Fortnight (till 31 May) the council are running an online information evening. To find out more, register for the online fostering information evening on Thursday 21 May at 7pm.
Fostering during lockdown comes with unique challenges, but despite this, Lambeth heroes such as Sarah (above), are welcoming vulnerable children into their homes.
Commissioning Manager, Sarah, recently applied to become a foster carer for the first time. Her profession Involves working for the council, identifying placements for young people in care. She understands first-hand the challenges faced by children’s services in finding safe, loving homes for children in need.
Sarah said: “During the course of my job, I heard about a young person the team were finding hard to place. Their parents were both hospitalised with coronavirus and they were home alone. It broke my heart, so I contacted the fostering team to put myself forward.”
To read more about Sarah’s story, and others, visit www.lambeth.gov.uk/foster-stories
Lambeth’s appeal for help
The Fostering Team are urgently appealing to local people with a spare room and the capacity to care for a vulnerable child to consider stepping forwards during this crisis.
Cllr Edward Davie, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “We know we have a strong caring community in Lambeth and there are others, just like Alex, who want to make a positive contribution to children in need. If you’ve ever considered fostering, Lambeth needs people like you. Now, more than ever, as increasingly children and their families become affected by coronavirus.”
Merlin Joseph, Lambeth’s Strategic Director of Children Services, said: “Fostering is a varied and demanding role but our dedicated social work team are here to support you every step of the way.
“With Foster Carer Fortnight starting on 11 May we’d also like to take this opportunity to thank all our remarkable carers for their contribution to our community, particularly during this unprecedented time. Each and every one of them has opened up their home and taken on a 24-7 role to better people’s lives – you really are local heroes.”
Who can foster?
To become a Lambeth foster carer, there are only a few basic criteria you must meet. You must:
- be over 21 years old
- have a spare bedroom
- be a full-time resident in the UK or have indefinite leave to remain
- have good spoken and written English
You don’t have to own your own home and we welcome couples or individuals from every walk of life.
Find out more about becoming a foster carer
To find out more or arrange a call back from a member of the team, visit www.lambeth.gov/foster. You can also find out here about any upcoming events and watch recordings of past live Q&A sessions.
