Help us to keep siblings together

The ‘Together in your Care’ is about letting people know that brothers and sisters do enter the care system together, and sometime the council has as many as five siblings living in care at the same time. The Council needs to recruit a minimum of five foster carers who have the space to support brothers and sisters together.

Cllr Robert Benham, Cabinet Member for Children and Learning, said:

“We’re encouraging parents who have a spare bedroom or two, due to their own children moving out, or heading off to university to please consider fostering.

“Parents who have grown up children of their own make excellent foster carers. They have the knowledge, skills and experience of what’s required to support and nurture siblings in all aspects of their lives.

“The council offers full training, continued learning and development plus up to £856 per week to foster siblings. Foster carers receive a dedicated social worker plus 24-hour support.  

Sharon, 53 and Steve, 54, Havering foster carers, said:

“We waited until our children were independent and had their own lives before we started our fostering journey. We actually think fostering siblings is easier, the children are a natural support for each other. If one child is nervous, then their sister or brother will help them.

“I love fostering, I never knew it would personally be so rewarding. Watching a child blossom while in your care, is incredible. Children may have their own issues and hurdles, but by fostering you really can help them overcome so many barriers.”

The Council urgently needs to recruit foster carers, especially for older children and sibling groups. To find out how you can support children living in care, visit www.havering.gov.uk/fostering or visit one of information evenings on the first Thursday of every month at 6pm, Havering Town Hall, Romford