According to the Fostering Network, a further 9,070 foster carers are needed in the UK. In Southampton foster carers are needed to meet the needs of some of the most vulnerable children. If you think fostering could be for you, there's a choice of upcoming information sessions where you can learn more.
If you want to find out more about what fostering involves, then you're invited along to one of Southampton City Council's forthcoming fostering information sessions, where you'll be able to meet staff members and foster carers, have your questions answered and take away an information pack:
• Fostering stand: Wednesday 4 January 2017, 11am - 2pm, Bitterne Library
• Fostering stand: Wednesday 11 January 2017, 10am - 4pm, Asda Totton
• Fostering stand: Friday 13 January 2017, 4 - 9pm, Flip Out, Chandlers Ford
• Fostering information evening: Wednesday 18 January 2017, 6.30 - 8pm, Civic Centre, Southampton.
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Councillor Paul Lewzey, Southampton City Council’s cabinet member for Children’s Social Care, said: “In an ideal world we would not require any foster carers, but unfortunately this is not the case. There can be many reasons as to why a child will come in to our care such as parental break-ups or parents suffering from emotional or physical illness, so as a local authority we need to be able to be prepared to offer these children a loving home.
Stable homes
“Southampton City Council foster carers provide stable homes for children who can no longer live with their birth families and have come into our care. Foster carers offer a supportive, caring and firm foundation, enabling children and young people to move into the future with confidence. Is this something you could do? If so, then we’d love to hear from you.”
So what exactly is fostering?
The council says it takes many forms. Foster carers can provide care in emergencies, caring for a child for just a few days, or perhaps over a weekend to give the main foster carer a break, known as 'respite' foster care. Or it can be for longer periods, sometimes throughout a child's formative years up to the age of 21.
Whether it's overnight or for a number of years, foster carers can provide the support, stability and care a child needs.
Carers are offered training, 24-hour support, funding and more.
If you think fostering could be for you then you can find further information at Southampton.gov.uk/fostering, by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling 0800 5 19 18 18.