Gloucestershire County Council is asking people who have a spare room and ‘life skills’ to consider fostering as a new profession.
The county council is especially keen to hear from people who could provide a home to older children and teenagers.
Foster carer Linda Atkinson from Gloucester has been fostering with the county council since March 2014.
Linda decided that she needed a new challenge and had the skills needed to care for teenagers. She worked full-time for three years at the Star College in Gloucester supporting disabled students and also had experience of fostering before.
Linda currently lives with her 20-year-old son and fosters a 17-year-old boy. She said: “I’ve always enjoyed working with young people and the challenges that brings. It was a friend who encouraged me to consider fostering again.
“Fostering gives me the freedom to work from home and concentrate on supporting a youngster on a one-to-one basis.
“Caring for teenagers is not an easy option; you need to be resilient and thick skinned as at times as they will push the boundaries. But you also need to show them the love, hospital support and guidance they need to get through some tough times and deal with what has gone on in their past.
“You also need to be prepared to work with other professionals to ensure youngsters receive the support they need.”
Cllr Paul McLain, view cabinet member for children and young people, nurse said: “Foster carers can make a positive difference to a child’s life by providing a stable and loving home, and the support and encouragement they need to flourish.
“Carers need to be both skilled professionals and loving parents, and as with any other career, they will receive training with the opportunity to learn new skills.
“We are particularly in need of carers for teenagers so I would encourage anyone who is interested to get in touch today. It could be the best new year’s resolution you have ever made.”
The county council accepts applications to foster from all sectors of the community. There is no upper age limit to foster and people can be single, married, co-habiting, in a heterosexual or same sex relationship, owning or renting their home.
All children are different and to meet their needs the county council is looking for a wide variety of people. Applicants need to be over 21 and have a spare room (or spare rooms for siblings) in their home.
For more information contact the county council’s fostering team on 01242 532654 or go to www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/fostering