It Takes a Village II: Join us for a different kind of a lockdown evening – all are welcome!
“I’ve been caring for one boy with autism since he was 2 – he’s 18 now!” says Denise*, a foster carer with Buckinghamshire Council. Often children with additional needs can wait longer to be fostered or adopted but as Denise explains, it’s still about listening to the child and addressing their needs. “Some of them like to take it slower, which gives them a chance to get to know me and me a chance to get to know them. It’s like when you get to know anybody really, it’s about building up that trust with them.”
Buckinghamshire Council always needs more foster carers and adopters who can give a loving and safe home to children with additional needs. And we want everyone to know more about what it’s like!
“It Takes a Village II” is very special evening of entertainment and discussion, with live music from professional charity band Electric Umbrella and expert speakers who will talk about fostering and adopting a child with additional needs. We’d love as many people as possible to join us online; you’ll get to hear some top quality music and hear from a range of guests, including adopter Lisa, whose little boy has a range of medical and additional needs, and Jess, who’s 22 and has grown up with foetal alcohol syndrome and continues to be supported as an adult by her foster carers Liz and Dave.
It Takes a Village II is a virtual event – you can sign up to be in our online audience and it takes place at 7pm on Thursday 25 February.
Tony Green is Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Youth Provision.
He says: “If you’ve thought about fostering or adopting then please join us for It Takes a Village II. The evening will be an informal way to get a real insight into what it’s really like to care for a child with additional needs, hearing from the very people themselves who have been through this experience. It is hard work, but the rewards are tremendous.
Like all children coming into our care, they have been through disruption and trauma and it can be especially challenging for them to express themselves. But like all children, what they need most is love, care, patience and understanding. I must underline too the fantastic range of support available for all people who foster or adopt with Buckinghamshire Council – that support carries on well after the process is complete and for as long as you need it.
It Takes a Village II is an opportunity to explore whether you could give a home to a child with additional needs so please come, find out more, and hear some great live music from the comfort of your own home!”