With the chance to offer young people a safe and caring home, Leicestershire County Council is issuing a rallying cry as it holds its next virtual event to find out more about fostering.
Nearly 700 children and young people are in care and the need for foster carers is now bigger than ever. The county council is issuing a plea to anyone with any interest in fostering to come forward and find out more.
Taking place on Thursday 31 August from 6:30-8:30pm, the virtual fostering events are a relaxed and informal way to get information about the various ways to foster, the application process and details of the package of training, support and allowances available.
The council has acted on its urgent call to Leicestershire residents for foster carers by increasing opening hours for phone enquiries from September. Tuesdays and Thursday will see hours extended until 8pm, giving people who would like more information about fostering have even more opportunity.
John and Michelle have been foster carers for the last two years after their children had flown the nest. Fostering has, to them, helped once again “fill their home,” and their fostering journey has covered lots of different types of placements.
They said: “We’ve had four mums and babies living with us and we still hear from and see some of the parents and their children. Helping them improve their parenting skills needs patience.
“It’s important to remember that they are mum and dad, but we’re always there to step in if necessary to help them learn and improve. If you’re the slightest bit curious about fostering, pick up the phone and call!”
We really do need people to come forward and answer our urgent call to become a foster carer. People from all walks of life, including single people or a same-sex couples, can make an enormous difference to young people’s lives.
“Whether you want to foster now, or are thinking about this for the future, please join us to find out more, our team are ready to help.
Person:Councillor Deborah Taylor, cabinet member for children and families
Virtual events are held on Microsoft Teams. To register for the event visit the fostering web page. An in-person fostering event will take place on Thursday 12 October at County Hall in Glenfield.
Anyone wanting to chat to us about this rewarding opportunity can call 0116 305 0505 or email fostering@leics.gov.uk. Lines are also open on the first Saturday of the month between 10am-12 noon.