For anyone considering fostering, the question often asked is: what is it really like? Foster Sandwell, the council’s fostering service, knows the best people to answer that are foster carers themselves. That’s why they always invite carers to share their stories at fostering information events.
One of those carers is Katy, who has been fostering in Sandwell for five years. Reflecting on her very first placement, Katy said:
“It was mind blowing…wow, how do we do this? But then I thought, d’you know what – we just do.
It took a couple of days for her to start feeling comfortable and then she started to come out of herself and just became part of the family.”
Different journeys into fostering
Katy’s path into fostering began after she took voluntary redundancy from her role as a teaching assistant. She now plans to foster for the rest of her working life.
Other carers choose fostering once they retire, treating it as a meaningful “working from home” option that can also top up a pension. For some, fostering fits alongside another career, with the support of flexible and understanding employers.
Every journey is different, and Foster Sandwell supports people to find an approach that works for them.
How Sandwell businesses can help
Not everyone can foster, but everyone can play a part in supporting children who need a second chance. For businesses in Sandwell, that might mean giving staff flexibility to become foster carers while continuing to work or simply helping to raise awareness.
As a not-for-profit fostering service set up by Sandwell Council, Foster Sandwell works exclusively with local children. Every child in their care is from Sandwell, so the support businesses provide directly benefits the community.
Ways to help include:
- Hosting a Foster Sandwell banner on your website.
- Offering information sessions to staff who are approaching retirement and may be considering fostering.
- Requesting publicity materials to display in your reception area.
Call 0800 358 0899 or email hello@fostersandwell.co.uk to support fostering in Sandwell.
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