Rise in foster carer enquiries – but there is still a need for more to sign up
The pandemic has seen a number of people looking into different avenues –including becoming a foster carer
Fostering services in Sussex have seen a rise in queries during the pandemic.
Between March 16 and November 27 West Sussex County Council had 283 enquiries for new foster carers, an 18 per cent rise on the same period last year.
During the pandemic, 17 new fostering households have been approved and are now successfully fostering a child or children.
A further 24 assessments are currently underway as a result of enquiries made during Covid.
Scott Anderson and Mark Popkiewicz live in Crawley and foster sibling boys.
Their first placement came about a month after lockdown.
Mark said: “We were so nervous and excited it was untrue. Whilst approved for two children we had initially decided to break ourselves in gently with one, however the referral came in for two brothers who are now six and eight. On paper they seemed to be the perfect fit for our family and I’m pleased to say that from the moment they cametolivewithuseverything has fallen into place and our new family unit was formed.”
Fostering is something that Mark and Scott had talked about on and off for years but never got round to doing it.
Mark said: “That was until I started teaching cookery at a couple of local youth clubs which made me realise there are a lot of children out there in need of help.
“One day an advert popped up on my Facebook highlighting the need for foster carers which then led me to registering my interest with West Sussex County Council.”
Scott and Mark were furloughed shortly after lockdown which worked in their favour as it meant both of them would be around to look after any child that came into their care and they would have their undivided attention.
“We went on the Skills to Foster Course last November, so pre-pandemic. There is a lot to go through but we had a lot of help, advice and support from the social worker who was assigned to us. Literally we went to panel days before lockdown came into effect.”
Although there has been a rise in queries there has also been a big rise in the number of children coming into care, so the need for people to foster has never been higher.
The Fostering Network is the UK’s leading fostering charity.
David Eggboro, communications manager at the Fostering Network, said: “While the total number of children looked after is higher than around the same time in 2018, referrals have dropped during the pandemic.
“However, with schools having been reopened and lockdown measures easing,
You can make a huge difference to a child’s life, it is hard work but it is so rewarding.
MARK POPKIEWICZ Foster carer