Western Trust hosting information event for potential foster carers in Derry

The Western Health and Social Care Trust is hosting an event in Derry to raise awareness of and inform the local community about the life giving role they could have, being a foster carer.

The event is being held on Thursday 2nd March 2017 at Da Vincis Hotel, Derry at 7.30 pm.

The Trust is wishing to invite people from across the community to seriously consider offering a child a loving and nurturing home ‘to grow up in’, over a series of regional events, where attendees will meet the foster care team and see a short presentation and video, followed by an Informal Q & A session.

Commenting on the events, Kieran Downey, Director of Women’s and Children’s Services said. “There is a significant need across the Western Trust area for children of all ages who for various reasons, may not be able to live with their birth family. These children need a permanent home for the rest of their childhood, and we know there are some amazing people out there who could make a real difference.”

The Trust wish to invite people in the community to consider offering a child a loving, nurturing home ‘to grow up in’. They are also committed to finding placements for children on a short-term basis – maybe this would suit your family better? Come along and find out.

Kieran Downey Continued “The events are a really relaxed way to learn more about Foster Care. Attendees will get to see presentation boards with materials children of a particular age have shared to give potential foster parents an idea of what the kids are interested in. Each organised evening is a nice introduction to meet the team and learn more about the different types of foster care services, and significantly you get to hear how it has given so many children a new lease of life”.

It’s important to know that people from all walks of life can foster – don’t rule yourself out. If you are resilient, flexible and have the energy, time and commitment to take on the demands of being a foster carer, please come along to our information sessions to talk to experienced social workers, foster carers and children and hear about the range of support which we offer to all foster carers.

If you feel you have the time and space in your life to foster please contact the Fostering Recruitment & Assessment Team on 028 8283 5264

Alternatively you can call HSC Regional Adoption and Fostering Service on 0800 0720 137 or enquire online.