A two week campaign to find foster carers in Barrow launches at Forum 28 next Monday (5 February 2007).
Carers are urgently needed in Barrow and the surrounding area who can give a loving and stable home, especially for teenagers and brother and sister groups.
There are currently 360 children being looked after by foster families across Cumbria. All the children need to live with carers who have ben carefully chosen to meet their different needs.
Cumbria County Council's Fostering Service is looking to find more people in Barrow so that, when a local child needs a foster home, one can be found near their friends, family and school.
Some of the young people have been through difficult experiences which means that their behaviour may be challenging.
Carers and young people who have been fostered will be at the launch, including Becca Reynolds. Becca spent time with foster carers in the county and is now at Lancaster University studying for a foundation degree in Working with Young People, leading to a BA in Social Work. Becca said:
"My sister and I were kept together when we were fostered, and I can't imagine not having had her with me throughout that experience.
"My foster carers were absolutely fantastic; I can see why it might seem daunting but I don't see a huge difference between being a parent and being a foster carer, other than you are looking after someone you just didn't happen to give birth to."
Local businesses and employers are getting behind the campaign and will be Forum 28 on Monday, along with the Vice Chairman of Cumbria County Council Alan Toole and Councillor Jim Buchanan, who will be speaking at the launch. Councillor Buchanan is Chairman of the county council's Corporate Parenting Panel.
Councillor Buchanan said:
"We really appreciate the work that foster carers do, and the service they provide - not just to the children and young people they look after, but to the council and to the county - I have met so many of them at various events and their commitment is beyond belief.
"For anyone who is thinking about becoming a foster carer, I would like to say: ask lost of questions, find out what's involved, talk to the fostering team and current carers, let them explain more about it, and think about it before you decide."
Al Carruthers is Co-ordinating Manager for looked after children with Cumbria County Council. He added:
"Foster carers come from a whole range of backgrounds from within our communities. "We are looking for people who have the space in their lives to take up the challenge of helping us look after vulnerable children and young people and help them improve their life chances.
"There can be fewer more rewarding opportunities and we ensure carers receive the necessary levels of support and assistance."
On Monday there will be also be a display at Forum 28 where the public will have a chance to talk to members of the fostering team and get more information.
Throughout the two week campaign there will also be displays in a local supermarket and leaflets distributed to all households in Barrow and Ulverston.
ENDS
Further information from Alison Lister, Media Team on 01228 606335
You are invited to send a reporter/photographer/camera crew to Forum 28, Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness on Monday 5 February at 11.30am.
Foster carers, young people who have been fostered and members of the county council's Fostering Service will be available for interview