Looking after our foster children-Havering Council launch new campaign to encourage locals to become foster carers.
Havering Council has launched a new campaign to encourage more local people to become foster carers.
Prospective foster carers will benefit from an exciting package of benefits to help them support some of the borough’s most vulnerable children.
Among the benefits are:
• financial support
• council tax relief up to £2,000 for active fosters carers inside and outside the borough
• complimentary access to Havering’s leisure centres for all carers and the children in their care
• free green bin collections for residents
• free parking in Council-owned car parks and resident bays for all carers
• more training and additional round-the-clock support
Councillor Robert Benham, deputy leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Children and Families, said:
“Being a foster carer is one of the most valuable roles that an adult can play in a young person’s life.
“We have so many children waiting to find a long-term foster home that it is important that we ensure that we look after the carer as well as the people they are caring for.
“We hope our bumper package of benefits will attract more people to take on the role of making an invaluable difference to a young person’s life.
“In return they will receive full training, council tax relief, free access to our leisure centres, free parking in council car parks and many other great rewards.”
Havering currently has children from a variety of backgrounds and ages who are in need of a home and anyone from approximately 25 years old can apply.
Foster carer and fostering ambassador Eileen Casey added:
“I’ve been a foster carer for many years and the benefits to both myself and to the children have been enormous. I can’t think of anything else I’d rather be doing.
“It’s also important that foster carers know that training and support is always available. They are never left to just get on with it, but help and advice is there even before they need it.”
To find out more about fostering and how to become a foster carer, visit www.havering.gov.uk/fostering