Sandwell Council launches New Year appeal for more foster carers
The campaign comes at a time of significant national need
A new campaign from Sandwell Council is encouraging residents to consider fostering this January, highlighting the urgent need for more foster carers across the Borough.
Sandwell's Children's Trust Chief Executive, Emma Taylor, said that while services are improving, the need for foster carers remains pressing:
“It is fantastic that our services for children and families in Sandwell have just been rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, however, as we continue to improve, we always need more foster carers.
"We need the children we care for to have stable, loving homes in Sandwell. So, if you are taking stock of your life this New Year, please ask yourself if you have the love to give a child a fresh start and open a new chapter in your life.”
Councillor Jalal Uddin, Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Families, added: “We have ‘Good’ services for children, and we know there are many caring people in Sandwell who want to make a difference to a child’s life. Now is the perfect time to step forward, we’re ready to help you to start your fostering journey with Sandwell.”
Sandwell's own fostering service has also achieved a 'Good' Ofsted rating, with foster carers benefitting from strong professional support and guidance for both themselves and the children they care for.
Local foster carers are passionate advocates for fostering:
Rosy Cockburn, a foster carer with Sandwell, described the experience as life-changing.
“It’s the best thing we’ve ever done! It really does change your life. Of course it’s a big commitment, but if you want to do something that is really fulfilling and makes a real difference then come and join us!
The support we get from Foster Sandwell and our fellow foster carers is amazing and we love being able to give something back.”
This year's campaign:
Sandwell Council is hosting a range of events throughout January across the Borough, alongside a new poster campaign.
The campaign comes at a time of a significant national need. According to the Fostering Network, around 70,000 children in the UK currently live with just over 52,000 fostering families. This represents nearly three-quarters of the almost 100,000 children in care who live away from home at any one time, many due to experiences of abuse or neglect.
Foster for Sandwell is Sandwell's not-for-profit fostering service, working exclusively within the borough to support the most vulnerable children.