We urgently need foster carers
Darlington Borough Council is urging people to consider becoming part of its fostering family as it urgently need foster carers.
As part of Foster Care Fortnight, the UK’s largest campaign to raise awareness of fostering, led by national charity The Fostering Network, the council is reaching out to residents to consider becoming a foster carer.
This year’s campaign, which runs from 12 May to 25 May, focuses on the power of relationships.
No special qualifications are needed to be a foster carer; however, you need to be caring, compassionate, have a desire to help young people, and have spare room in your home. The pay is good, and the rewards of seeing your person thrive due to your care and support are second to none.
The campaign offers an ideal opportunity to raise awareness of the power of foster care and to thank our established foster carers for all the great work they do.
As part of Foster Care Fortnight, the council’s fostering team will be in the town centre, at the outdoor market on West Row (the corner opposite Binns), on Friday, May 16 and 23, from 10 am to 2 pm. If you’re in town, please pop by to learn how you can join our fostering family.
People can pop in and find out more about fostering, ask any questions they may have, and talk to the council’s foster team and foster carers.
Vicky Hamer, the council’s fostering service manager, said: “Children in Darlington need a stable home. We have a fabulous group of foster carers providing supportive, caring, loving homes for children unable to live with their own families. However, we urgently need more foster carers to provide care for all ages of children and young people, on both a short and long-term basis.”
She emphasised, “We really need foster carers who can provide a home for brothers and sisters to remain together - being placed in foster care is such an emotional roller coaster, to lose each other would be heart-breaking; teenagers and children with complex needs and disabilities.”
Councillor Nick Wallis, the council’s cabinet member for children and young people, said: “If you have ever considered becoming a foster carer, please find out more. Local children of all ages urgently need foster homes.
“All our foster carers do love what they do… Of course, fostering comes with challenges, but all our foster carers tell us, repeatedly, that the positive impact you have on a young person’s life; to see them thrive, gain self-confidence and be happy, far outweighs any challenges, and that it is an absolute privilege to be part of their lives.
“Our small, friendly, not-for-profit team can provide all the training and support you need to become a paid foster carer in Darlington.
“All you need is to find out more and see if fostering is for you.”
People interested in becoming a foster carer are encouraged to pop along to chat with staff in Darlington town centre on Friday, 16 May, between 10 am to 2 pm.
To find out more, visit www.darlington.gov.uk/fostering
To apply to foster with the council, visit www.fosterwithnortheast.org.uk