This Foster Focus Week (27 October-2 November), Hampshire County Council is renewing its call for nurturing foster carers across the county. Foster Focus Week is the authority’s annual campaign recognising the vital role of foster carers and the need to find more loving, stable homes for children in care. This year’s campaign highlights the important role of carers in supporting children to return safely home.
Councillor Roz Chadd, Cabinet Lead Member for Children’s Services, said: “Going back home allows our children in care to reconnect with their families and to maintain a strong sense of identity, belonging and emotional stability. It’s a hugely rewarding outcome and is ultimately our key aim, providing this is safe and in the child’s very best interests. That’s why the going home process forms a significant part of the overall fostering journey and our foster carers play a hugely important role in this, working side by side with children’s families, social workers and our partners to ensure this happens safely and successfully.”
Across Foster Focus Week, the County Council’s Fostering Service will be sharing positive stories from foster children and their carers. This includes a real letter from a former foster child to their carer, who supported and encouraged them on their journey back home. It reads: “Thank you for looking after me and keeping me safe. My mum and I appreciate what you have done. You have been the best foster carer.”
Residents are also being invited to come along to an informal in-person drop-in event taking place at Winchester Science Centre on Thursday, 30 October from 9.30am to 3pm. Visit the County Council’s fostering website for details of other events beyond Foster Focus Week, including a drop-in event on Saturday, 8 November at The Arc in Winchester.
The Fostering Service welcomes people aged over 21 and from all walks of life. The only requirement is a spare room – and of course, plenty of patience, resilience, open-mindedness and positivity. There are many types of arrangements available, from full-time fostering to more flexible options that fit around home and work-life commitments.
Visit the Hampshire County Council Fostering Service website to find out more about fostering, upcoming events, training and support, and the going home process.