WORCESTERSHIRE Fostering is encouraging local residents to consider becoming foster carers during this year’s Foster Care Fortnight.
Over the next two weeks, the council’s fostering service will join organisations across the UK in celebrating foster carers and raising awareness of the life-changing difference fostering can make to children and young people.
This year’s Foster Care Fortnight theme, This is Fostering, shines a light on the everyday realities of fostering and the profound impact foster carers have on children’s lives.
It celebrates the dedication, resilience and compassion foster carers show, often in challenging circumstances.
Foster carers play a vital role in providing safe, stable and nurturing homes for children and young people, many of whom have experienced trauma or difficult life experiences.
They support children’s education, emotional and physical wellbeing, and help them rebuild trust, confidence and a sense of belonging.
However, there is an urgent need for more foster carers across Worcestershire. The current shortage means too many children are unable to stay close to their local communities.
Without enough local foster carers, children can be placed far from their families, friends, schools and support networks at a time when stability is needed most.
Coun Justin Bowen, Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member with Responsibility for Children and Families, said: “In Worcestershire, we have been transforming foster care, and this year’s Foster Care Fortnight is a chance for us to really build on that by showing that fostering is for anyone and everyone.
“Whoever you are, whatever your circumstances, if you can provide a loving, stable home to children who need one then we want you to join our fostering community.
“In the last 12 months alone, thanks to better support, better pay and a real sense that we can change the way things are done, the number of fostering households has grown by 25 per cent. However, we are seeing experienced foster carers retire, while the number of children coming into care continues to rise.
“That means we urgently need more people to come forward and consider fostering.”
Worcestershire Fostering is encouraging anyone interested in fostering to get in touch or attend one of its upcoming information events to learn more about what fostering involves.
Visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/fostering for more information.
