Call for new foster carers in Plymouth

With approximately 395 children and young people in local authority care in Plymouth, 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 (Monday 16 May – Sunday 29 May) – 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 first 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 www.thefca.co.uk.

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 www.thefca.co.uk.