Havering Council is calling on more foster carers to come forward, as the number of teenagers in need of fostering continues to rise.
The council said that there were just over 220 looked after children in the borough as of October 2015 – most (59%) are aged between 11- and 17-years-old.
The council is offering a fast-track service to any current foster carers working with a private agency who are thinking of a fresh start and would like to work with its staff.
Havering Council recently hosted a Foster Carers Christmas lunch to celebrate and recognise the work of Havering’s foster carers.
Speaking at the event, Cabinet Member for Children and Learning, Councillor Meg Davis, said:
“Fostering plays a vital role in looking after children in Havering – we are looking for foster carers who can open their heart and home to teenagers who are in need of a secure family.
“We are especially keen to hear from foster carers who can offer support and guidance, be reliable and show patience.
“Our childhood is where most of us begin to find our identity. Equally important is the encouragement and support we receive from our own family as we grow up.
“However vulnerable children in care may be, they have never experienced the kind of love and stability which we tend to take for granted.”
Mayor of Havering, Councillor Brian Eagling, added:
“This is a great opportunity to say thank you to the very valuable work which our foster carers carry out.
“They show great commitment to their work and are role models to others who are thinking about becoming foster carers and working with us.
“I would urge anyone who wants to find out more about fostering teenagers to contact us directly so that we can help to find secure homes for more children who are in urgent need of fostering.”
Duncan Lewis Children Lawyers
Duncan Lewis children lawyers can advise on a wide range of child care matters, including fostering, children taken into Local Authority care, Section 38 enquires, pre-proceedings meetings and Court of Protection cases.
There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and our specialist children lawyers are also able to advise on:
• Adoption/international adoption
• Child abuse
• Child care arrangements
• Co-parenting agreements
• Court orders
• FGM
• Forced marriage
• Guardianship
• International child abduction
• Parental responsibility
• Surrogacy agreements
• Wardship
• Wills & trusts.
Duncan Lewis advises on child care and family law under UK law and Islamic law – and is also able to advise on cross-border family cases.
For expert legal advice on child care law, call Duncan Lewis children lawyers on 0333 772 0409.