Change of career willsee Sarah aim to boost foster carer numbers

MANY Worthing residents, especially younger ones, will recognise Fostering Solutions’ latest staff member, Sarah Camp.
Sarah Camp outside the Fostering Solutions office in WorthingSarah Camp outside the Fostering Solutions office in Worthing
Sarah Camp outside the Fostering Solutions office in Worthing

For six years, she was a higher-level teaching assistant at Findon Valley’s Vale First and Middle School, and Sarah said she loved working with the children and staff.

“But I needed a new challenge,” she said. “And when I was offered the role of foster carer recruitment officer with Worthing-based Fostering Solutions, I jumped at the chance.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Fostering Solutions is an independent fostering agency providing placements for children and young people across England, Wales and Scotland, and currently cares for more than 1,600 people.

As a busy mum of two, Sarah’s day begins early, but by 9am she is at her desk at the organisation’s offices, in Littlehampton Road.

“I’m busy forging links with local people, businesses and organisations to ensure they know we’re here and we’re making a difference to the lives of vulnerable local children,” said Sarah.

“I was stunned to see the Government’s statistic that there are nearly 700 ‘looked after’ children in West Sussex, and saddened to think there are so many people living in Worthing, and West Sussex as a whole, who could make a 
huge difference to those children by becoming foster carers.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It’s that sort of information that spurs me on to ensure people know it doesn’t matter if they’re single, married, in a same-sex relationship, if they’ve had children of their own, if they’re retired or out of work. They can still become foster carers.”

Sarah said the office’s location, at the busy junction near the Thomas A Becket, mean many passers by had popped in to find out more about fostering.

Fostering Solutions is running a special introduction to fostering course on Tuesday, October 22, and hopes are high that more people will sign up.

Sarah said: “We’ve had a lot of interest so far, but would welcome further attendees.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It’s fun, informal and informative, and previous attendees have found it invaluable in their decision to become foster carers.”

Since starting her new career with Fostering Solutions, Sarah has been busy dashing around the country, attending her induction at the head office, in Bolton, and training course in Hampshire.

But she does not regret a thing. “It’s been really, really, busy, but I’m so excited about my shiny new job and the prospect of recruiting lots of lovely people as foster carers that the time’s flown by,” she added.

Anyone who would like to attend the introduction to fostering course should call Sarah, on 01903 693923, to book a place.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

People wanting to find out more about fostering can also call Sarah, or can call into the office at 4 Tudor Buildings, Littlehampton Road, Worthing.

More details about Fostering Solutions can be found online – log on to the website www.fosteringsolutions.com