MY COMMUNITY
Forever family While most of us were staying indoors, a small group of key workers from the council’s social care team were planning the safe adoption of a Brent fostered baby
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bandoned by his mum soon after birth, baby Thomas lived with a foster family until he was 18 months old as the adoption team looked for a loving forever family for him. With increased COVID-19 restrictions across the country came a new set of rules to follow, including virtual calls and doorstep visits, as both the carers and future parents tried to make this a smooth move for Thomas. After both families self-isolated for two weeks, they met face-to-face to complete the adoption. Baby Thomas’s mum came, too, to see her little one begin his new life. It was an emotional day for the foster carers who had to say goodbye to Thomas; it was an exciting new beginning for the adopters, and a day of peace for the mother who saw her baby in good and loving arms.
COULD YOU FOSTER AND HELP A CHILD LIKE THOMAS? The pandemic has hit the most vulnerable families the hardest and lots of people are struggling with poverty, unemployment, social and health inequalities or domestic violence. As a result, we expect to see more children and young people needing safe homes, and fewer adults coming forward to apply for fostering in the future. If you would like to foster and
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support children in Brent get in touch with us to find out more on 0800 001 4041 or visit brent. gov.uk/fostering. As a foster carer you should love children, have a drive to help others and be nurturing, patientç and kind. You need to be over 21, have permission to stay in the UK indefinitely, and live in a home where there is space for a child.
