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Awareness campaign calls for
new foster carers in Southport to address national shortage
EVERY 20 minutes across the UK a child
comes into care in need of a foster family. With approximately 995 children and
young people in local authority care in Liverpool, many of whom are in urgent
need of a foster family, Foster Care Associates (FCA) is appealing for new
foster carers as it prepares to mark Foster Care Fortnight, on Monday, 16 May
2016 to Sunday, 29 May 2016; the UK's biggest annual foster carer recruitment
campaign.
The event aims to highlight the fantastic work done by foster carers in the
region who are helping to transform the lives of looked after children and young
people, as well as encourage those interested in fostering to take that first
step into becoming a foster carer.
This year's theme is Time to foster, Time to Care and highlights the fact that
every 20 minutes across the UK a child comes in to care in need of a foster
family. This equates to more than 1000 children and young people during the
duration of Foster Care Fortnight.
Mark Costello, CEO of FCA, said:- "Many people would love to foster but
they believe that their personal circumstances, or skills and experience, would
prevent them from doing so. Whether you're single, over 50, childless, or in a
same sex relationship, fostering could be for you, and we want to bust some of
the myths that may prevent potential foster carer's from making that 1st
enquiry. Foster Care Fortnight is the ideal opportunity to talk to the regional
FCA team and have an informal face to face chat to find out more about
fostering. People are often surprised by how much support and training is
available and this is a key driver for many people coming forward and becoming a
foster carer with FCA. If you have a spare room in your home you could
potentially foster!"
FCA host regular events in the region for those interested in taking the first
step into providing foster care and want to find out more about the extensive
support the organisation provide to their foster carers. More information about
forthcoming regional events are available on the
website.
Foster carers with FCA receive frequent visits and contact from a dedicated and
qualified social worker. Support is also provided through an education officer,
support workers and therapists to help carers meet the needs of the child or
young person. Ongoing training, a financial allowance, access to carer support
groups and organised family activities are all contributing factors as to why
FCA placements are 22% more stable than the national average.
Anyone interested in finding out more about fostering can meet up with the FCA
team at one of its regional events or call:- 0800 023 4561 and speak to the FCA
Recruitment Team. More information about forthcoming regional information events
are available on the
website. |
