'It's important they feel valued' (From Watford Observer)

County council to hold events for sons and daughters of foster

11:18am Tuesday 30th October 2012 in News

THE county council is organising a series of events for the sons and daughters of foster carers to thank them for their contribution and support.

Sons and daughters of foster carers from around the county have been invited to attend a sledging session on the slopes at the Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead and a skiing session at Gosling Sports Park, Welwyn Garden City.

Hertfordshire County Council’s Fostering Service will be holding the events during its Sons and Daughters’: Celebrating the fostering family week (October 20 to November 2), part of a nationwide campaign run by leading charity the Fostering Network.

Fostering services around the UK will be running events to thank the sons and daughters of foster carers for improving the foster care experience of the children and young people living with them. Fostering has a huge impact on the whole household and it is essential that this is both recognised and celebrated.

Research shows that the relationship between the sons and daughters of foster carers and the fostered children in their home can make or break the placement, so it is important that they feel valued for the role they play.

Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Richard Roberts, said: "Expectations of the sons and daughters of foster carers are extremely high and we really value the time and effort they put into helping foster children settle into family life. They often give great support to both foster children and their own parents. Making sure that they feel valued and that they have the opportunity to raise any concerns is extremely important.

"These events are our way of thanking them for all their hard work and commitment to fostering."

If you have at least one spare room in your home and have a real enthusiasm for working with children and young people, call 0800 917 0925 or visit www.hertsdirect.org/fostering