People interested in fostering are being encouraged to take the first step towards transforming a child’s life by attending an open day this month.

Dudley Council is on the lookout for new foster carers. And as part of national Foster Care Fortnight - which starts next week - the fostering service is encouraging people to come along to an open day to find out more.

The event on May 15 at Saltwells Education Centre, Bowling Green Road, Dudley runs from 10am to 3pm and is for existing foster carers and anyone interested in becoming a carer in Dudley. 

The session will give people a chance to find out more and ask both fostering advisors and existing foster carers what it’s really like to foster. Tony Oakman, strategic director for people, 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 speak to the fostering service to find out more about eligibility, the different types of foster care and ask 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 home to children looked after by Dudley borough.”

The service 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 could 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 fostering in Dudley by visiting dudley.gov.uk/fostering, emailing dudleycouncilplus@dudley.gov.uk or by calling 01384 815833.