As our children return to school Sefton Council is urging families to think about fostering and how you could really make a difference to a child’s life by offering them the love and stability they need to flourish and be happy.
Right now, there are just over 600 children and young people in Sefton’s care. With a national shortage of carers, devastatingly some of these children are in unsuitable homes.
Sefton needs at least 15 additional carers by the end of the year, to meet the demand.
Paul and his wife Angela have been fostering for three years and have three children of their own. Paul said:
“Our foster children just fit right in with our family life, and it just makes it more fun to have them around. Seeing a foster child off to a new school or first day back fills me with pride. They have gone through so much in their little lives and so seeing them walk off so happily and positively makes you feel proud to be a foster carer.”
Councillor Mhairi Doyle, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care said:
“It’s that time of year where families are sending their children safely off to school. Just think there are so many children who don’t have the guidance or encouragement which helps them to thrive at school and have a better future.
“You may be sending your older ones off to university so they can start their own independent journey and carry out their aspirations. Imagine that room in your home can be filled with a child who doesn’t have one and who is yearning for a loving environment.
Our carers offer that stability which children need but also that nurturing attention to make sure they’re all ready for school, to sit and help them with homework, to listen to their dreams and ambitions and help them achieve their goals.
We see our children who are struggling through no fault of their own, turn their lives around, they become confident and happy young people and it just melts your heart.
People of all backgrounds are welcome to foster
The Council welcomes people from all backgrounds regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, or sexuality. Couples, single people, disabled people, and people from all cultures please apply.
There is no upper age limit to becoming a foster carer, but you must be over 21 and be a UK citizen.
Support, training, and payment
Sefton Council is committed to offering support to our carers every step of the way. This includes specialist and peer support, training and an excellent financial package.
Anyone who is thinking about fostering can find out more by speaking to one of the team, either complete our online enquiry form or call our freephone number on 0800 923 2777.
