12 Time for Living, March 2011 Fostering


Providing asafe home


HUNDREDS of children areplaced with foster carers in South London at any one time and they can be therefor a multitude of reasons. Simply,their family had been unable to


provide safe and consistent carefor them. They may have been abused or neglected or the parents have an addic- tion, amental illness or learning disabili- ty that means they can no longer care for their child. That’swherethe foster carer comes


in. They take the children into their own homes and offer them acaring and understanding environment. It can be atough role. Foster carers


carer other than experience with chil- dren. Youcan be single or married; straight,


gay or lesbian; from any racial, cultural or religious background; and you don’t have to have your own children. Youdohave to be the legal tenant or


thorough assessment to ensureyou suit the job at hand. Those taken on as foster carers


owner of your home and have aspare bedroom for the foster child. And you will also be subjected to a


will need to be able to manage any chal- lenging behaviour in apositive way,set and attend meetings, as well as building relationships with the child’sbirth family. However,thereare no special qualifi- cations needed to become afoster


foster carer,orperhaps adopting achild, visit your local council’swebsite for a wealth of information.


receive amassive amount of support from ateam of qualified social workers and health and educational experts. You also have the opportunity to train and obtain qualifications yourself. To find out moreabout becoming a


Are you interested in becoming a Foster Carer?


established fostering agency with carers in London, Kent, Essex, East Sussex and Manchester.


WE ARE AN


We are currently seeking experienced and new foster carers in your area.


WE OFFER professional support 24/7 and generous allowances.


Please contact Sue or Sophie for an application pack.


0800 731


9300 Or go to


www.totalfostering.com for an online application.


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