CROYDON needs each year to find 30 new families to provide foster homes for young people because of the increasing number of looked-after children in the borough. 

The council has launched a borough-wide recruitment campaign aimed at residents who have a passion for caring for young people, in particular: teenagers, sibling groups, children with disabilities, and want to give something back to a Croydon child.

The competition is high because of the numbers of independent fostering services operating in Croydon and placements by other London boroughs.

In Croydon of those who need homes 30 per cent are unaccompanied asylum seekers, mostly boys, who are processed at Lunar House in central Croydon which is the UK’s Visa and Immigration Centre.

Safia Basith, 51, who worked as a primary teacher before becoming a foster parent and has looked after more then 25 children, including three young people during lockdown, said: “Over the years I taught many children who were in care. I saw the compassion, care and patience with which their foster carers worked and the difference their care made to the children. I felt I had the qualities to do the same.”

“I love it when the children in my care settle, gain confidence and start making progress. The visible change from the frightened and traumatised children that walk through the door, to the happy and confident young people they become is the most rewarding aspect of my role.”

Croydon offers 24/7 support, a dedicated supervising social worker, an experienced foster carer as a mentor and comprehensive training to prepare applicants for the role.

Brian Amos, fostering service manager, said: “We are looking for people from all backgrounds to step forward. We accept applications from single carers and households, those who work and those who are retired. We want to hear from people from the LGBTQ+ community, people from all faiths and all ethnic backgrounds.

The fostering team is running regular online information events for anyone wanting to know more about the role of a foster carer, the assessment process and the support and training on offer:

Thursday 12th and 26th August @ 6pm

To register, or for any information on fostering for Croydon, please call 0300 222 2112 or email
iwanttofoster@croydon.gov.uk

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