Becoming a foster parent can be an extremely fulfilling role and provide a young person with a much needed loving and caring environment.
Many people take on this role but more are needed and that is why West Sussex County Council is calling on more people to consider becoming foster carers and help transform the lives of young people.
Across West Sussex, foster carers open their homes to provide love, stability and care to children and young people, but many more foster carers are urgently needed to ensure every child can be matched with the right home for their individual needs.
As part of the Foster Care Fortnight, a national campaign which runs from 12–25 May, West Sussex County Council will raise awareness of the impact of fostering and inspire more people to consider becoming foster carers. It’s also a chance to thank foster carers for the incredible impact they have on children every day.
This year’s theme, ‘The Power of Relationships’, celebrates the meaningful connections that transform lives. Throughout the fortnight, voices from across the fostering community will be sharing stories of the powerful relationships that make a difference to them, from the bond between a foster carer and a child, to the vital support of social workers, friendships within the fostering community or the connections with birth families.
Could you support a local child? Contact Fostering West Sussex on 0330 222 7775 or visit fosteringwestsussex.org.uk for more information.
“Love isn’t measured by DNA”
Stewart and Lyndsey Morris from Horsham have been foster carers with West Sussex County Council for seven years.
Mr Morris said:
“From the moment we welcomed our first foster child, our hearts grew in ways we never imagined. Each child who has come through our doors has their own story, their own struggles, and their own hopes for the future. Some stay for only a short while, while others become part of our family for years.
“Our daughters have grown up in a home where love isn’t measured by DNA but by the bonds we build. They have learned to be kind, compassionate, and welcoming. They understand that family is not just about who you are born to but who stands by you, who loves you, and who opens their heart to you.”
Could you transform a child’s life?
By fostering with West Sussex County Council, you will join the council’s large community of foster carers who look after one another, get access to professional support and ongoing training, and receive a competitive financial package of up to £31,338 per year for foster carers and approximately £15,000 a year for Supported Lodgings hosts (per child/young person).
Councillor Jacquie Russell, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Learning, said: “Relationships are at the core of fostering, and West Sussex County Council's fostering team continues to work tirelessly to support vulnerable young people and their foster families. This work is crucial in our efforts to keep children and young people safe and ensure that all children in West Sussex have the opportunity to fulfil their potential.
“There are still many children and young people in need of a place to call home, so I urge those who are considering becoming foster carers or Supported Lodgings hosts to get in touch with our dedicated and helpful team and explore the power of relationships through fostering for themselves.”
Could you support a local child? Contact Fostering West Sussex on 0330 222 7775 or visit fosteringwestsussex.org.uk for more information.
