October is Black History month, and Fosterline wants to use this event to raise awareness of the need for more black and minority ethnic foster carers to meet the needs of children in care.
People like Patrice Thomas who has been fostering for 31 years, caring for 156 children and been awarded an MBE by the Queen for her outstanding contribution to services for children.
Patrice said “I used to babysit a lot for friends and others in the community, but it was a teacher at my daughter’s school who suggested I would be a good foster parent. I then saw an advert calling for more foster carers, phoned them up for more information and it went from there.”
“I honestly feel blessed to have been able to help so many children and to still be foster caring today.”
Black children entering care need support to appreciate their cultural heritage and to learn how to cope with racism and discrimination. Black foster carers are often well placed to help children develop a sense of identity, pride and achievement, and to keep them in touch with their cultural heritage and history.
Thinking of Fostering?
Can you foster? Can you change lives? Take our survey to see if you fit the criteria to foster children and young people. Are you that person who can make a difference in a child’s life?
If you are considering becoming a foster carer, you can find out more here, or call Fosterline on 0800 040 7675. Fosterline Advisers are available Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5pm to offer free confidential advice to current and prospective foster carers
Already Fostering?
If you currently foster a child who is from a different ethnic background to you, a book by Denise Lewis and Flora Awolaja called Black Children in Care: Health, hair and skin is a good resource that can support you.
For further support and advice, please call Fosterline on 0800 040 7675.