FOSTER carers from Redcar and Cleveland will help launch a campaign to recruit more foster carers at an event being held at the Redcar Heart on 25 April between 5.00pm and 7.00pm.
The ‘I foster – so can you!’ campaign has been developed with the area’s foster carers, who have opened up their hearts and homes to make a difference to a young person’s life.
Cabinet Member for Children, Cllr Craig Hannaway said:
“The number of Looked After Children in the area has increased by 34% over the last five years leading to a shortage in the number of foster carers.
“The council is looking for families, couples and individuals from all backgrounds to place children in high quality local foster placements, where they have a stable home environment and the support to help them grow, develop and realise their potential.”
Tracy Barker from Eston, who features in the campaign and fosters with the support of her husband Martin and teenage daughter Chloe, added:
“Having had a difficult childhood myself I always knew I was going to be a foster carer and with the help and support of my husband and daughter I realised my ambition.
“Giving a child the best possible start in life is so rewarding and for anyone thinking about fostering my advice would be to give a lot of patience and love and don’t just say it, prove it.”
If you think you can make a difference to the life of a young person find out more at the recruitment event on 25 April, 5.00pm – 7.00pm, Redcar Heart, TS10 1TD or contact the fostering team on 01642 444087 or visit www.fostering.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk for further details.