Town drop-in sessions for foster carers

The informal question and answer day with existing foster carers is the first in a year-long campaign of monthly sessions held by West Sussex County Council (WSCC).

Christina Taylor, a local foster carer, said: “I was so fed up with my 9 to 5 existence and felt so moved by the Victoria Climbie case. My husband and I always wanted to do something worthwhile with our lives and that’s why we became foster carers.

“We are not ‘special people’ or smug about what we do. We keep fostering because it is so wonderful to see the impact and changes in a child when they come into our home and start to feel safe and secure.”

Peter Evans, cabinet member for Children and Families, said: “To provide the highest standard of care, West Sussex County Council does its very best to match West Sussex children needing care to West Sussex foster carers.

“Children thrive on familiarity so our approach also means children and young people who need care stay close to their school, friends, people and places they know.”

WSCC provides a full package of training and support to all its foster carers to meet the needs of the children and young people they care for.

The drop-in sessions will be held throughout the county and more details on future events can be found at www.westsussex.gov.uk/fostering, or by contacting 01403 229333.