As Foster Care Fortnight kicks off, people in Dudley borough interested in fostering are being asked to ‘take the time’ to find out more.

This year’s Foster Care Fortnight has just started and as the theme for the fortnight is ‘Time to Foster, Time to Care’ Dudley Council’s fostering service is encouraging people to’ take the time’ to attend a drop-in session.

The sessions are 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 today (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.

Sessions will also be held on Monday 23 May at Silver Jubilee Park Healthy Hub in Coseley from 10am to 1pm and on Wednesday 25 May at Zion Christian Centre, Halesowen from 6pm to 8pm. Iona Payne, head of service for looked after children, said:

“We’re always looking for new foster carers from all different backgrounds. Fostering is one of the best jobs in the world; no other job allows you to make such a difference in a child’s life.

“I really hope people who have an interest in fostering can come along to a drop-in session to find out more, but also if people know someone who might be great at the job that they let them know the sessions are happening.”

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 by calling 01384 815833.