9/5/2005 - Could you care for a child in need?

Today sees the start of one of the biggest ever fostering campaigns in the North West. Cumbria County Council is joining more than 20 councils across the region to highlight the shortage of foster carers to look after children in need. 

There is an urgent need for new foster carers in Cumbria and the county council's family placement teams have teamed up with colleagues across the North West in this new drive to encourage more people to consider becoming foster carers.

There are currently 339 children living with foster families in Cumbria. These children are all individuals and should be able to live with carers carefully chosen to meet their needs.

Cumbria County Council family placement team manager, Brenda Brodie said:

"We have a dedicated and committed team of foster carers in Cumbria but we need more people to join their ranks. Foster carers have a vital role to play in helping children to thrive, giving them the best start in life. Anyone can apply to be a foster carer regardless of gender, martial status, age or whether you own your own home. We urge people to come forward and at least find out more."

Maggie Donald is from Kendal and currently cares for two teenagers. She said:

"I became a foster carer in 1996. I used to be a teacher and tried to make a small difference to a lot of young people. But I wanted to do more than that. I wanted to make a significant difference to the lives of maybe just a few individuals. I would encourage anyone to look into and consider becoming a foster carer. There are a lot of people out there who have a lot to offer and could really make a difference in a young person's life."

Children in the care system are often the most vulnerable in society. It is vital that their life chances are maximised. One of the ways of achieving this is be providing a diverse range of foster homes that can meet the needs of different children. 

Last year 460 children were cared for on a full time basis in Cumbrian foster homes. Cumbria currently has 290 foster carers. Some are specialist foster carers offering care to teenagers, others offer short or long term care to younger children. 

If you would like an informal chat, or an information pack, please call your local family placement team on:

Carlisle - 01228 607078

Workington - 01900 325356

Kendal - 01539 773312

Barrow - 01229 894862

Alternatively check out the county council's fostering and adoption website on www.cumbria.gov.uk/socialservices