Foster carers needed now more than ever in Derbyshire

The Fostering Network launched its annual ‘Foster Care Fortnight’ campaign on May 11, designed to raise awareness, recruit more foster carers and appreciate the essential work they do to look after children in care.

Under the promotional messages ‘Foster care transforms lives’ and #ThisIsFostering this year’s campaign features inspirational foster carer images and stories to highlight how fostering changes children’s lives – and changes lives for carers too.

Derbyshire County Council is a member of the Fostering Network and is supporting the campaign, which runs until Sunday, May 24.

Cabinet member for young people, councillor Alex Dale, said: “As a leading fostering agency we fully support Foster Care Fortnight – its message is more important this year than ever.

“The coronavirus outbreak and the impact of self-isolation has made some children even more vulnerable and want to ensure we have enough carers available when children need them.

“Our foster carers do an amazing job playing a vital role in transforming lives for the children in our care, for which I’d like to say a huge thank you.

“I’d urge anyone who feels they could foster to apply for an assessment – which we’re still carrying out using video call technology – and play an important part in changing a child’s life for the better as well as changing theirs too.”

Foster carers do not need any special qualifications, they just need to be aged 21 or over with no upper age limit, have a spare room, go through a few initial checks before they are assessed and have some experience of caring for children.

Derbyshire foster carers are given full training and support, a wide range of benefits and a competitive package of financial support once they are approved.

People can find out more about fostering for Derbyshire County Council and apply at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/fostering.