Fostering

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Teresa O’Neill OBE and the Mayor of Bexley, Cllr Nick O’Hare.

Caring for our young people

Bexley’s annual Corporate Parenting Week took place in mid-October.

As Corporate Parents it is the collective responsibility of the Council and its partner agencies to provide support, care and protection for children who are in our care, as well as those young adults leaving our care.

The week is a chance for children in our care and young adults leaving our care to join staff, Councillors and partners to help raise awareness of what it means to be a Corporate Parent.

During the week there were a number of events for children, young people and staff. The week ended with the annual ‘You are fantastic’ awards event for children and young people.

Plans are already underway for next year’s Corporate Parenting Week. If you are a local business or service and you would like to get involved, please contact Participation Lead, Maddy Gardiner at maddy.gardiner@bexley.gov. uk or call 020 3045 5968.

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Fostering an ambition

Adele Harmer fostered for Bexley for 10 years. During that time, she and her husband looked after young children under five.

Adele is also a mum of three and when their youngest started school she decided she wanted to do something to make a difference. After spotting an advert published by Bexley Fostering she gave us a call.

The family went on to foster children on a short and long-term basis. Adele also became a mentor to new Foster Carers.

Adele described the best bit of being a foster carer as “seeing the children leave to live the life that’s right for them”.

Following her successful Fostering career, where she linked in regularly with Bexley Social Workers, Adele decided to return to study and take on her Social Work degree. Having qualified, Adele is now in the Fostering Recruitment Team working with potential Foster Carers.

“Having been on the other side has given me an insight into what we need in a Foster Carer. I would say to anyone considering becoming a carer to give us a call. “Get in touch and ask your questions. Don’t second guess, call us. We are here to help!”

Find out more at www.bexley.gov.uk/fostering