We’ve launched a new fostering section on our website to support anyone considering becoming a foster carer to find the information they need.
This includes a graphic outlining the process of becoming a foster carer, a payments calculator, case studies of experienced foster carers and stories from the children of foster carers, and fostering myths debunked.
It also features a range of short films about fostering, an information pack for prospective foster carers, and upcoming fostering events.
Foster carers play a vital role in improving the lives of care-experienced children and young people in Brighton & Hove. They also bring communities together to help support our most vulnerable children.
There are over 200 foster carers in the city, but there is an urgent need for more foster carers across Brighton & Hove.
Our new fostering webpages will help ensure that people who are interested in learning more about becoming a foster carer can easily find the relevant information.
By supporting existing foster carers and promoting the role to more households, we can help to ensure that we have a larger community of foster carers for our children in care.
Nearly 40 percent of foster carers combine fostering with other work. In a report commissioned by The Fostering Network, those who do say that a supportive employer can make a huge difference, enabling them to balance employment while looking after children. The council was recently announced as a 'fostering friendly' employer by The Fostering Network.
Councillor Lucy Helliwell, Joint Chair of the Children, Families & Schools Committee, said: “Our fostering community provides crucial support to care-experienced children and young people, helping to build their confidence and make them feel safe and secure.
"We have over 200 foster carers across Brighton & Hove, and every carer ensures our most vulnerable children and young people with the care and support they need.
"The new, more accessible website is fresh, bright and informative to help prospective foster carers decide if fostering is right for them and their family.
"We're always looking to grow our network of foster carers, so we hope this will encourage people to consider joining our fostering community to make a difference to the lives of local young people.
"I'd also like to take this opportunity to commend all foster carers across Brighton & Hove. Their commitment to ensuring the city’s most vulnerable youth have the best possible chance to succeed is inspiring."
