Become a foster carer and change a child’s life forever

Exceptional people are being sought by Leeds City Council to help change a child’s life forever, by becoming a foster carer and part of one of the UK’s largest fostering teams.

Across the UK there is a shortage of foster carers, people who want to find out more about fostering with Leeds City Council are being invited to an information drop in session which is being held as part of the national ‘Foster Care Fortnight’ 2018 campaign.

The information session is being held at the Village Hotel (North), 186 Otley Road, Headingley, on Thursday 17th May 2018 between 6pm and 8:30pm.

By fostering for Leeds City Council, new carers would join one of the country’s largest and most well-established fostering networks with direct support from social workers and specialist staff.

Over the past three years Leeds has worked hard to recruit some fantastic carers, and now has over 750 foster families as part of the Leeds foster care ‘team’.

In 2011 Leeds redesigned its fostering recruitment service and since then has seen an increase in foster carers of 25% for both mainstream and complex needs. As a result the council is able to provide an increasing number of fostering placements within the city resulting in children and young people being placed nearer their schools and their personal support networks.

However the council is still very keen to hear from people who could foster children over the age of 11 years old, sibling groups and those with additional needs. The council has a high demand for families who can offer homes to these children and young people and would welcome further applications.

Councillor Lisa Mulherin, executive member responsible for children and families said:

“Foster carers do an amazing job and make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable children and young people.

“It can be an incredibly rewarding experience and I would encourage everyone to think about whether fostering is something they could do. We are here to offer support and training to help our foster carers every step of the way.”

Leeds needs foster carers from all walks of life, people who are single, married, divorced, employed, unemployed, with or without children of their own. People from diverse backgrounds and all ethnic origins are needed to help children benefit from living with families who share their own culture, language and religion.

People are needed to provide a wide range of fostering types, including short term support for young children and longer, planned permanent support, as well as respite foster care, and specialist care for disabled children. Leeds City Council provides locally based offices, support groups, training and regular foster friendly events.

Leeds City Council supports Foster Care Fortnight which is the UK’s biggest foster care awareness raising campaign, delivered by The Fostering Network. Established for almost 20 years, the campaign showcases the commitment, passion and dedication of foster carers. Foster Care Fortnight 2018 takes place from Monday 14 to Sunday 27 May 2018.

Those interested in finding out more about fostering can register their interest online by visiting www.foster4leeds.co.uk or by contacting 0113 378 3538 for advice and an information pack.

ENDS