Gloucestershire County Council is calling for people from all walks of life to consider fostering.
As part of this year’s Foster Care Fortnight (1st-14th June), stuff the county council is hosting a series of drop-in events on its community information bus to encourage more people to find out about becoming a foster carer.
Foster Care Fortnight is a nationwide campaign organised by the Fostering Network highlighting the need for more foster carers. This year’s theme ‘Fostering: Make a Connection’ highlights the many people involved in fostering and the amazing work that foster carers do to help make a positive impact on children’s lives.
The drop in events will be held across Gloucestershire:
Thursday 21st May at the cross, diagnosis Gloucester city centre between 10am – 5pm
Thursday 4th June at The Triangle, pill Cinderford town centre between1 0am – 4pm
Friday 5th June at Morrisons, Tewkesbury GL20 8AB between 11am – 5pm
Saturday 6th June at King Street, Stroud town centre between 9am – 3pm
Friday 12th June at Market Place, Cirencester town centre between 9am – 3pm
Saturday 13th June at Cheltenham town centre (outside the Beechwood Arcade) between 10am – 4pm
Fostering is a challenging job but many carers find it incredibly rewarding with the opportunity to really make a difference to a child’s life as well as undergo training and learn new skills.
Paul McLain, cabinet member for children and young people for Gloucestershire County Council, said: “We already have a tremendous network of dedicated foster carers in Gloucestershire and many people have been carers for ten years or more.
“We always need more people who can make a long lasting positive difference to the life of a child to come forward. We are particularly appealing for carers for older children and teenagers.
“Children and young people come into care for a wide range of reasons, but all come needing professional, dedicated and compassionate support. Foster carers are remarkable people who open their homes to some of our most vulnerable children.”
The county council accepts applications to foster from all sectors of society. There is no upper age limit to foster and people can be married, single, co-habiting, in a heterosexual or same sex relationship, a homeowner or renting a property. All children are different, and to meet their needs, the county council is looking for a wide variety of people. However all applicants will need to be over 21 and have a spare room (or spare rooms for siblings) in their home.
To find out more about becoming a foster carer please contact Gloucestershire County Council’s fostering team on 01242 532654 or come along to a drop-in event.