Since 2018, the number of children in the care of Hampshire County Council has grown by 200 and is still rising. While Hampshire County Council has been working hard to reduce the number of children coming into care, the gap between the number of children needing a loving home and the number of foster carers available in Hampshire continues to widen. For every child for whom we find a home, there are others waiting.
In response and to close the gap, Fostering Hampshire Children, the fostering service for Hampshire County Council, launched a campaign dedicated to finding 150 new foster homes across the county by the end of 2023. Entitled #OpenYourDoor, the fostering service is asking Hampshire residents to open their door to a child in care.
So far, an incredible 70 new families have joined the county’s growing foster care community. Having these extra homes available will help the Fostering Hampshire Children team identify the most appropriate accommodation for the children coming into care.
Fostering Hampshire Children are looking for 80 more foster homes to join the community by the end of 2023
The campaign seeks to highlight the accessibility of fostering. You don’t need to own your home or be in a long-term relationship. Sexuality and ethnicity don’t matter. There is no upper age limit, and you don’t have to do fostering as a ‘full-time job’. Fostering Hampshire Children is looking for ordinary people who want to contribute to improving the outcomes for children in care, support disadvantaged children achieve their full potential, and make positive changes within communities across the county.
There are some things you do need: a spare bedroom, patience, resilience, open-mindedness, and positivity to name but a few. Fostering isn’t always easy; there are challenges to overcome and difficult days, but it’s also a chance to build new relationships, learn about other cultures and offer stability to a young person at the time it’s needed most.
Hampshire County Council is an OFSTED-outstanding Local Authority offering valuable allowances and fantastic training and support. Their growing community keeps foster carers connected in their vital role enhancing children’s lives. Through the Hampshire Hive communities open to carers as well as children in care and birth children, buddy systems, and closed support groups, foster carers are supported throughout their fostering journey.
There is currently an urgent need to provide foster homes for Hampshire children, from babies through to teenagers, children seeking asylum, sibling groups and children with additional needs or disabilities.
Could you open your door and become a foster carer in Hampshire?
Please visit the Fostering Hampshire Children website and download an information pack today to discover more about becoming a foster carer. Together, we can make a difference to Hampshire’s most vulnerable children.
Fostering Hampshire Children
Tel: 01489 587052
Website: www.hants.gov.uk/fostering