People interested in fostering can find out more at drop-in sessions being held by Dudley Council’s fostering service this month.

The service is looking for great new foster carers to provide homes for children looked after in the borough.

There are a number of information sessions taking place, with the next being held on Thursday (10am to noon) and the following Thursday (21st) from 1pm to 4pm. Both sessions will be held at Dudley Wood Adult Learning Centre, Pavilion Gardens. There will also be a session in the Bold Room at intu Merry Hill, on Friday 15th September from 10am to 7pm.

It’s a great opportunity for people who have an interest in fostering to find out more by speaking informally to a member of the fostering team and also some of Dudley’s existing carers.

Since the service launched their ‘I foster, you can too’ campaign, there has been a big focus on the vast range of people who can foster, along with the type of children looking for a home.

Dudley fostering offers a rewarding career, 24 hour support, training and guidance 365 days a year and a range of fostering options. Councillor Anne Millward, cabinet member for Children’s Services, said:

“Our drop-in sessions are a great way to find out more about fostering in a friendly, relaxed environment. We’re always looking for new carers, from all walks of life, who can offer a safe and stable home to a child looked after in Dudley borough.

“No one has to make any commitment at the sessions, it’s just a chance to get some more information and ask questions to help make a decision. For those who can’t make the sessions, our fostering website - fosteringindudley.org.uk - has lots of useful information.”

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.