Can you provide a loving home in West Sussex for young person in need

There is an urgent need for more foster carers in West Sussex, and the County Council is backing a national campaign aimed at raising awareness and encouraging more people to step forward.

As part of Foster Care Fortnight, which is currently underway, the campaign highlights the vital role foster carers play in transforming the lives of vulnerable children and young people.

The council is urging residents to consider opening their homes, emphasising the lasting impact that foster care can have on those in need of stability, support, and guidance.

Stewart and Lyndsey Morris from Horsham have been foster carers with West Sussex County Council for seven years. 

Mr Morris said: “From the moment we welcomed our first foster child, our hearts grew in ways we never imagined. Each child who has come through our doors has their own story, their own struggles, and their own hopes for the future. Some stay for only a short while, while others become part of our family for years. 

“Our daughters have grown up in a home where love isn’t measured by DNA but by the bonds we build. They have learned to be kind, compassionate, and welcoming. They understand that family is not just about who you are born to but who stands by you, who loves you, and who opens their heart to you.” 

More about what foster carers do?

Foster carers play a crucial role in providing safe, stable, and nurturing homes for children and young people who are unable to live with their birth families. Their responsibilities go far beyond simply offering a roof over a child’s head—they must help children feel secure, valued, and supported during what is often a very difficult time in their lives.

Foster carers need to create a warm and welcoming environment where children can thrive. This includes meeting their daily needs such as food, clothing, and education, while also supporting their emotional and social development. Carers must be prepared to deal with challenging behaviour, which may stem from trauma or disrupted backgrounds, and respond with patience, understanding, and consistency.

Good communication skills are essential. Foster carers work closely with social workers, schools, and sometimes the child’s birth family, so being able to maintain clear and professional relationships is important. They must also keep accurate records of the child’s progress and any concerns that may arise.

Training is provided and ongoing, covering areas such as safeguarding, attachment, and managing behaviour. Foster carers must be willing to engage with this training and commit to continuous learning to meet the needs of the children in their care.

Above all, foster carers need to be resilient, compassionate, and flexible. Every child is different, and fostering can be both rewarding and demanding. With the right support and commitment, foster carers can make a lasting difference in a young person’s life.

Could you support a local child? Contact Fostering West Sussex on 0330 222 7775 or visit fosteringwestsussex.org.uk for more information.