Help At Hand For Would-Be Parents

A ‘one stop shop’ to give would-be parents information on fostering and adoption has been officially opened in Walsall. The council-run shop was officially opened by Walsall’s Deputy Mayor Councillor Melvin Pitt. Lil Davis, from Walsall Wood, who along with her husband Trevor has been a foster carer for 21 years, was at the opening to lend her support. The Davises decided to start fostering when their two children had grown up. Mrs Davis said: “Fostering is very rewarding but sometimes challenging. It is really nice to be part of a child’s life and offer them a warm and stable home.”

Another foster carer on hand at the shop’s opening was Lisa Sanders, who started fostering along with her husband Jason in 2004. The couple offer short-term and respite care and have so far given a temporary home to 10 children. They are following in the footsteps of Jason’s parents, who were foster carers for many years.

Mrs Sanders said: “You need to be a strong person and receive support. I find fostering extremely rewarding, but also sometimes emotional and challenging. We receive a lot of support both from our family and the fostering team. I definitely would recommend it.”

Opening the shop, Cllr Pitt – who was also joined by members of the Walsall Foster Care Association and Walsall FC players Graham Deakin, Ishmal Demontagnac and Mannie Smith – said: “This is a great idea for Walsall. I’m sure anyone thinking about fostering and adoption would welcome the chance to go in, have a chat and meet people face to face. I would urge anyone considering fostering and adoption to call in, have a look around, ask questions and get more information.”

Anyone interested in fostering or adoption can go into the shop to talk to a trained adviser face to face or call customer service advisers Kirsty Smith or Liz Perry free on 0800 923 3706.