Fostering & Adoption Stall
…Foster carers look after children who can't live at home for a
period of time which could be from a few days to longer term,
whereas Adopters offer a life-long legal commitment to a child.
Adoption and Fostering staff will be on-hand to talk to members of
the public and answer questions like this, via a stall set up in
Bedford Market, every Wednesday, up to and
including 31st August from 8.30am -
4 p.m.
A simple chat with a Fostering and Adoption
professional can lead individuals on to making a life-changing
decision, which is why the staff will be at Bedford Market again
this summer. The stall will also help raise public awareness of the
service which supports children of any age from birth -18 years
old.
Cllr Sue Oliver, portfolio holder for
Children’s Social Care, at Bedford Borough Council, said: “It is
evident that carers play a vital role in giving looked-after
children the best possible start in life. The stall will provide
passers by with an opportunity to find out more about the actual
reality of either adopting or fostering. There perhaps aren’t as
many hurdles as one might think to becoming a foster/adoption
carer. As long as individuals are kind and caring and have a spare
room they will be considered for the role.”
Cllr Mark Versallion, Executive Member for
Children’s Services, at Central Bedfordshire Council, said:
“Fostering or adopting a child is extremely rewarding yet equally a
huge responsibility, so if you are considering taking this step,
please seize the opportunity to speak face to face to the Fostering
and Adoption service. By talking to the team, and expressing any
doubts or worries you might have, you will discover the extensive
support network our carers benefit from and whether you would be
more suited to fostering or adoption.”
Nationally there are 3,000 children waiting to
be adopted. Locally, for 2011 – 2012, Bedford Borough and Central
Bedfordshire are seeking at least 40 new fostering households and
25 adoptive households.
Both Councils are always on the look out for a
diverse range of people willing to help give children a second
chance in a family. Fostering and Adoption is not an exclusive club
only open to certain groups of people - anyone, regardless of race,
religion, sexuality, relationship status and those with or without
children of their own can apply.
Naturally, many potential foster carer or
adopters might be worried about what is involved but all receive
full training and are supported by Central Bedfordshire and Bedford
Borough Councils’ Fostering and Adoption Team every step of the
way.
If you would like further information on the
subject, simply call the Councils’ Free phone number:
0800 218 2002.