It’s great to hear that Croydon Council is launching its first ever Croydon Fostering Week, an urgent awareness campaign highlighting the critical shortage of foster carers in the borough. Taking place from Monday 3rd to Sunday 9th March, this initiative aims to dispel common myths about fostering, provide essential information, and encourage residents to consider making a life-changing difference for a child in need.
The Need for More Foster Carers
Croydon, like many areas across the UK, is facing a significant shortage of foster carers. Croydon currently has a total of 231 Looked After Children and 142 fostering households.
With a growing number of children in need of a safe and supportive home, the council is calling on residents to step forward and explore the rewarding role of fostering.
Dispelling Myths About Fostering
Many people wrongly believe they cannot foster due to misconceptions about eligibility. In reality, fostering is open to individuals and families from all walks of life, whether single or in a relationship, renting or owning a home, working or retired. The key requirement is a commitment to providing a nurturing and stable environment for a child. There are different types of fostering available to suit you and your experience: full time, part time, emergency and respite, as examples.
Support Available for Foster Carers
Croydon Council offers extensive support to foster carers, including comprehensive, on-going training, a dedicated social worker, financial allowances of up to £2020 per month, and access to a strong community of fellow foster carers. Whether new to fostering or experienced, carers receive the guidance and resources needed to make a lasting impact on a child’s life.
Find Out More
To help potential foster carers learn more, Croydon Fostering Week will feature a series of in-person and virtual events where attendees can speak with experienced foster carers and social workers.
Events include:
- Tuesday 4th March, 10am-1pm in The Urban Room, Units 161-162 & 1161, 1162, Whitgift Centre, Croydon CR0 1UQ
- Tuesday 4th March, 5.45-7pm: A virtual information session to hear from experienced social workers and foster carers. To reserve a place, click here
- Wednesday 5th March, 4.30-7pm at St George’s Hall, Elstan Way, Shirley, Croydon, CR0 7PR
- Thursday 6th March, 10am-2pm at The Arc Café 9 Weston Drive, Caterham, CR3 5XY
- Friday 7th March at Thornton Heath Leisure Centre, 100 High Street, CR7 8LF
If you’d like further information, visit www.croydon.gov.uk/fostering, call 0300 222 2112 or email [email protected].
Cllr Danielle Denton
