Dudley Council’s fostering service is shouting about the ‘best job in the world’ during Foster Care Fortnight by holding a number of drop-in sessions.

Fostering Care Fortnight runs from 16th to 29th May and drop-in sessions will be held throughout the two weeks so people can find out more about becoming a foster carer.

Anyone interested in fostering can attend one of the sessions which are being held at venues across the borough. They’re a great opportunity for people to have an informal chat and find out if fostering might be right for them.

During the first week, sessions will be held on Monday 16 May at Cradley Heath Liberal Club from 12.30 to 3.30pm, on Tuesday 17 May at Netherton Park, Healthy Hub from 10 to 1pm, Wednesday 18 May at the Council House in Mary Stevens Park from 10am to 2pm and on Thursday 19 May at Zion Christian Centre in Halesowen from 10am to 12pm.

During the second week of Foster Care Fortnight, drop-in sessions will be held on Monday 23 May at Silver Jubilee Park Healthy Hub from 10am to 1pm and on Wednesday 25 May at Zion Christian Centre, Halesowen 6 to 8pm.

Iona Payne, head of service for looked after children, said:

“Lots of people think about fostering but maybe aren’t sure if their circumstances fit what we’re looking for. That’s why these sessions are so important. 

“We want people who are interested to drop-in and find out more from the fostering team who can tell the about eligibility, the different types of foster care and answer any other questions they may have. 

“No one has to make a commitment when they attend, we’d just really like to hear from people who think they can offer a great home to the borough’s looked after children.”

The team is keen to hear from anyone interested in fostering but in particular from those who would like to care for teenagers, children with disabilities or those who have the ability to take more than one child so brothers and sisters can stay together. They would also like to hear from people interested in long term fostering.

People can find out more about the drop-in sessions and fostering by visiting dudley.gov.uk/fostering emailing fosteringrecruitment@dudley.gov.uk  or calling 01384 815833.