More foster parents wanted in Burgess Hill

West Sussex County Council is holding the session for all prospective foster carers from 10am to 4pm, at Burgess Hill Library, The Martlets, Burgess Hill, RH15 9NN.

Members of the fostering team will be on hand to answer questions and provide an insight into what being a foster carer involves in an informal environment.

Helen and Pete, from the Burgess Hill area, have been foster carers for more than 16 years.

Helen said: “We have two adopted children, who are now grown up, and we have always been a very close, loving family, so we felt we could offer that to more children.

“We are close to our extended family too, and our foster children are a part of that and embraced by everyone.

“When a child comes to you - whatever the reason - they can be frightened, insecure or uncertain and they need love and support. To be there for them and become someone they trust, and then see them grow as an individual is an incredibly rewarding experience.

“Being a foster parent can be challenging and it can be very difficult when the child moves on but it is one of the fulfilling roles you can have.

“You get a lot of support from the county council and the training courses are brilliant – you are always learning.”

Foster carers come from all walks of life and from a range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. People from a variety of backgrounds can apply to foster, regardless of their marital status or sexuality.

Fostering can be either short or long-term and can range from just a few days to several years. There are also several different types of fostering.

Peter Evans, WSCC Cabinet Member for Children – Start of Life, said: “Foster carers like Helen and Pete provide a safe and loving home to children at a time when they need it most.

“We are currently looking for more foster carers in the Burgess Hill area. We always try to place children and young people with foster carers in their local area, which enables them to remain close to the school and friends, as well as the people and places they know.

“Every child has their own unique emotional needs and personal history, and the County Council makes every effort to match them to foster carers who can support them and allow them to flourish.

“Being a foster carer is very rewarding and I would urge anyone who has considered becoming a foster carer, or who would like to find out more, to come along to the drop-in session.”

If you are interested in fostering and would like to find out more,go to the website at www.westsussex.gov.uk/fostering or call 01403 229333.