Take Sixty Seconds.... : Cumbria County Council

Today, Cumbria County Council's Fostering and Adoption service starts a new campaign to help recruit carers for Cumbrian children in need. The Campaign 'Take Sixty Seconds…' asks that people take a minute of their time, one second for each of the sixty children in Cumbria in need of long term or permanent homes.

County Councillor John Mallinson, Cabinet spokesman for Care and Social Services says,

"Local children are in need of carers to ensure they can make the best of life chances. There are currently around sixty Cumbrian children who need a permanent on long-term placement with a carer or carers who can make them feel that they belong. Foster carers have a vital role to play in helping children to thrive. Many people think that there are age and other restrictions precluding them from fostering but generally that is untrue. There are no age limits, up or down - so long as you can demonstrate a mature, responsible attitude and enough energy for the task. Single people are needed as well as married or cohabiting couples because a single carer can better meet some children's needs. We are looking for ordinary people so 'Take Sixty Seconds' to ask yourself if you have space in your life for a child in need."

Judith Scott is one of Cumbria County Council's dedicated foster carers. She says,

"I have fostered children for 7 years and am currently caring for 2 children in need. You don't have to have any special qualifications to care for children and help them to develop and get the best from their life chances, you just have to care and be prepared to invest time and effort. I enjoy the challenge of working with children and the satisfaction from seeing them grow in confidence. Each child has individual needs but they all need a safe and secure environment in which to grow and develop."

Foster carers are paid allowances to support the children or young people in their care and are trained and supported by social workers from Cumbria Social services family Placement teams. Lots of people are able to foster who are either bringing up or have brought up well adjusted, happy children.

Fees and allowances are paid to all foster carers and there is a chance to earn more as experience increases. 'Take Sixty Seconds…' are you who we're looking for?

Anyone interested in knowing more can contact the Family Placement Teams direct on;

Carlisle / Penrith (01228) 601537
Workington /Whitehaven (01900) 325356
Barrow / Kendal (01229) 894862