People across Leicestershire are being urged to think about fostering as their New Year’s resolution for 2023, as the number of children in care in the county continues to rise.
Leicestershire County Council has made the call to encourage people to take the first steps into finding out more about fostering this new year.
Anyone who has ever, even fleetingly, thought about fostering, is encouraged to get in touch or check out the authority’s useful resources, to see if fostering could be a path for them.
According to Councillor Deborah Taylor, cabinet member for children and family services, there are currently around 700 children and young people in Leicestershire who remain in care.
“They need the warm words of encouragement from a supportive adult in their lives,” she said.
“All we are asking is that you take those first steps into finding out more about fostering, and consider if coming on this journey with us is something you think you’d like to be a part of.
“When you foster with us, you really do become part of a family. We will look after you and support you however we can. So please, don’t count yourself out in 2023, count yourself in!
“Whatever your gender, race, sexuality, living arrangements, age, and employment status, we want to hear from you.”
The recruitment team will be holding the first virtual information event of the year on Wednesday, 11 January and are welcoming anyone who wants to know more about fostering this year.
The county council also has some useful resources on its website and social media, to help people understand more about fostering and the commitment of a foster carer.
From busting myths to providing important information from the team and current foster carers, there’s a lot of bitesize, digestible information for those just beginning to think about fostering.
It also has a ‘Thinking about fostering? newsletter’, which shares case studies, stories from foster carers and foster children, and many other interesting facts and valuable information.
Visit https://www.leicestershire.gov.uk/education-and-children/fostering to find out more.
