There are currently over 850 children in care in West Sussex, and an urgent appeal is being made for more people to help support them by becoming foster carers.
While all of the children in the care of West Sussex County Council are in safe accommodation, with many already living with local foster carers, a significant number of children in West Sussex are still waiting to be found by a foster family.
The message from the council is that every child deserves to have a safe and loving home, where they can experience all that life has to offer; where they can learn, develop independence, and fulfil their potential.
James Witchell-Towers is one of the foster carers within West Sussex County Council's fostering community. When his foster child first moved in, she didn’t want to tell him that she couldn’t swim because she thought he wouldn’t take her swimming. “I told her, ‘No, if you can’t swim, I’ll teach you’,” James said.
“All these small things that we take for granted that our parents do for us, if you've not been shown, they really stand out. And they're the positives. Taking someone who can't ride a bike to being able to ride, who can't swim to doing lengths. That's amazing.”
Jacquie Russell, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said:
“The children waiting to be fostered are waiting for someone like you. They need your experience, knowledge, guidance and compassion. They need a loving and local place to call home.
“We provide full training and support and competitive allowances, so if you’re over 21, have a spare room and want to transform a child’s life, please speak to our friendly team about fostering.”
Change a life forever
New foster families are needed to care for children of all ages, but currently there is a real need for people to foster secondary school-aged children. Children aged 11 to 17 account for 64% of those in the care of West Sussex County Council, and they desperately need someone like you, who can guide them through this important and uncertain time in their lives; helping them to develop into happy, confident and independent young people.
Receive training, support and a competitive financial package
Foster carers for West Sussex County Council receive comprehensive training and ongoing 24/7 professional support. Carers receive a competitive financial package of up to £26,500* per year to help you look after a child in their care. (*See our website for pay and allowances)
New County Council carers will join a large network of over 230 wonderful fostering families who, along with Council staff, are committed to ensuring the best possible outcomes for children and young people across West Sussex.
Could you become a foster carer?
Are you over 21? Do you have a spare bedroom? Could you provide a safe, stable and supportive environment for vulnerable children? You could be a foster carer and we would love to hear from you.
If you are interested in joining the largest network of foster carers in West Sussex, or would like to hear what fostering is like from real foster carers, visit our new Fostering West Sussex website: www.fosteringwestsussex.org.uk or speak to our friendly team by calling 0330 222 7775.
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