MORE carers are being sort after in West Sussex and regular drop-in sessions provide those interested in fostering a chance to get their questions answered in person.
A session was held in Shoreham Library, St Mary’s Road, on Friday, August 16, where some ‘promising people’ turned up to find out more.
Sandy Wilson, of West Sussex County Council, said: “We have been holding these drop-in sessions for a while, now, and it’s always good for people to speak to someone in person. National research suggests that if people take the first step and get their questions answered by someone at an event like this it can take six months off the whole process.
“We are looking for a range of people because we have a range of children. There is a perceived barrier which bars people from thinking that they can foster.
“Some come to these sessions to mull over the idea and some come with a list of prepared questions.”
There are many different types of fostering including short term options, long term, and also whether to foster multiple children and from what age bracket.
Sandy added: “Some people think they have to give up their jobs to foster – they don’t.
“Foster carers are all different and we are not looking for a nuclear family set up. Age is no barrier, it is the experience which counts. We are always looking for new carers and no question is too silly.”
For more information on fostering call 01403 229333 or visit www.westsussex.gov.uk