Sefton Council Chief Executive Dwayne Johnson says at this time when people are facing changes in their lives, he hopes some may consider the option of becoming foster parents.



Speaking as Fostering Fortnight draws to a close Johnson, whose own mother was fostered, said:

“We are all facing unprecedented and enforced changes to our work and personal lives and some people may have seen their experiences change as a result of the Coronavirus lockdown.

“It is a period where some people are choosing to or having to evaluate their lives and think about changes for the future.

“I hope that anyone who has thought about becoming a foster carer might use this opportunity to follow it up and see whether providing this vital support for young people is for them.

“I know it’s a varied and challenging role which is also very rewarding and satisfying. From personal experience, I have seen the huge positive effect it has had on my mother’s life.”

As well as a child’s day-to-day care, being a foster carer involves providing support and guidance about education, health and social well-being matters that will affect the rest of that young person’s life. Training and support is provided for the role, which also means attending some meetings and managing confidential and sensitive information.

For a child or young person, being moved from their home for different complex reasons, can be distressing and difficult to understand. They can experience loss and anxiety when separated from their birth family and need love, patience, support and understanding to cope.

Johnson adds:

“The Coronavirus lockdown period has been difficult for those of us who have our partners, children, mums and dads, brothers and sister around us but for those young people who for whatever reason haven’t had any family they can connect with, it will have been a particularly trying time.

“We really need new people to support those children and families.”

To find out more about becoming a foster parent, you can visit our dedicated website https://seftonfostering.co.uk/

Or speak to one of the team on our freephone number 0800 923 2777