As people make plans for the year ahead, Sefton Council is asking could 2023 be the year they become a foster carer?
This New Year, the Council is urging local people to think about giving a loving home that can help children grow and connect.
There are many different reasons why a child may come into Sefton’s care and this experience can be traumatic for them. With local people’s help, having that caring connection can make a child feel safe, loved, and help them to turn their life around.
Lauren is now a student social worker with Sefton’s Fostering Service but she has also lived with her foster family since she was eight years old.
Explaining her situation, Lauren said:
“Unfortunately there was drug and alcohol misuse in my birth family’s home so being in foster care really changed my life.
“I’m so close with my foster parents and foster brother and sister. It’s just like being in a normal family.
Laughing, Lauren added:
“I’m still there at 21 so they’re not getting rid of me that easily.”
She went on:
“Being in a loving foster family has given me the motivation and stability to go to Uni and follow my dreams. Now I love what I do. I’m giving back, I can relate to the children and know what a foster home should look like.
“Anyone thinking about fostering should find out more. It’s such a good feeling to give back and I also know the amazing impact it can have on a child’s life.
A short video of Lauren sharing some of her experiences can be found at www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5_lXBwII-0
Councillor Mhairi Doyle, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care said:
“There is now more of a need to recruit new carers than ever before.
“Nationally there is a shortage and our capacity in Sefton is full. We need to recruit a least 15 more carers by the end of this year to offer suitable homes for our cared-for children.
“At this time of year some people are evaluating their lives and thinking about changes for the future. Sefton’s Foster Carers are paid for their skills, receive full training and support, plus allowances.
“I urge anyone who has thought about becoming a foster carer to take this opportunity to find out more and see whether giving this vital support is for them.”
Meet our Friendly Team
Thinking about fostering? Find out more by meeting our friendly team, Sefton’s foster carers, and young people at the Strand Shopping Centre in Bootle,
Tuesday 17th – Friday 20th January 9.30 – 4.30pm. More details here bit.ly/3GfOSJz
You can also visit our dedicated website at https://seftonfostering.co.uk/
You can also speak to one of the team by calling our freephone number on 0800 923 2777 or email fostering@sefton.gov.uk
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