FOSTER carers are needed more than ever for children looked after by Buckinghamshire County Council.
The stark reality in Buckinghamshire echoes today’s tough warning from the Fostering Network that the UK care system is struggling to meet the needs of society’s most vulnerable children.
The network says that more than 900 extra foster carers need to be found across the south east of England in the next 12 months to avoid a crisis in foster care in 2012.
In October this year, the county had 387 children and young people in care - about 21 more than at the same time last year.
Valerie Letheren, Buckinghamshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services said: “The message of our campaign is a simple one: if you have room in your heart and a room in your home, you can foster.
“If someone decides to foster a child from us, we will give them all the support they need including training and practical advice. The main thing is that they’re the right kind of person. The other thing they need is a spare room where a child or young person could feel at home. But beyond that, we don’t have any sort of fixed blueprint for foster carers.
“Finding homes for long-term placements, children with very complex needs, children with disabilities, sibling groups, teenagers and in some cases minority ethnic children have proved particularly challenging.
“Foster carers make a huge difference to the lives of children and young people. It really is more important than ever that people come forward as potential foster carers. There is a diverse range of people out there with the right skills and qualities who could help meet the needs of the children and young people in our care. Come and talk to us to find out what being a foster carer could do for you.”
Allowances are paid to foster carers once they are approved and a child is placed with them. There is ongoing training and extensive social work support.
Visit www.buckscc.gov.uk/fostering or ring 01296 32555 to find out more from our fostering team.