Sandwell Children’s Trust backs Foster Care Fortnight

Frances Craven, Chief Executive of the new Sandwell Children’s Trust is backing The Fostering Network’s Foster Care Fortnight campaign.

At a meeting with foster carers at the Coneygre Arts Centre in Tipton, Frances talked about how fostering with the trust is changing and how we need to be open and honest and learn from the past as we create a children’s service in Sandwell that will become an example that others want to follow.

She said: “It’s important to speak to our foster carers face-to-face and we’ve had a very good discussion today – really frank and open. We are changing and the only way we can do that is by taking an honest look at ourselves and deciding what we want to continue with and what needs to change.

“Standing still is not an option. I want Sandwell to become a leading example of how to help people to become the best that they can be.

“We already have some brilliant carers, who are passionate about what they do.  What we need to do is put measures in place to give them the support they need as they do such an important job – looking after our most vulnerable children.”

In another busy week for Sandwell Children’s Trust, a new regional fostering film ‘There Was A Boy’, made in partnership with 15 local councils and trusts from across the Midlands, launched on Monday, to coincide with the start of Foster Care Fortnight.

Frances Craven added: “The Fostering Network’s Foster Care Fortnight, is a brilliant campaign and I hope that everyone is supporting it.

“After all, the aim is to highlight the great work that so many foster carers are doing, while making people aware that there is an urgent need for more people to step forward and give a child a safe and secure place to grow and reach their potential.”

On the trust’s new regional fostering film, Frances was equally clear. She said: “If you haven’t already seen it, go to the fostering page of our website.  Please take a look and if you’re on social media share it with your friends, tweet about it and help us to spread the word.”

Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for children’s services in Sandwell endorsed the good work the trust are doing. He said: “The trust is an opportunity for us to do things differently in Sandwell and getting our relationship right with foster carers is very important.

“Foster carers do such an amazing job and we always need more. I urge anyone who thinks they could be a foster carer to get in touch with Sandwell Children’s Trust.”