Who:
The Fostering Network, the UK’s leading charity for all those involved in fostering, will launch Foster Care Fortnight, its annual campaign to recruit more foster carers.
What:
This year, under the strapline fostering: recognise the qualities you’ve got, the campaign encourages people to realise that they may already share the same qualities as those currently fostering, and that these are the basis for becoming a great foster carer.
A new website www.couldyoufoster.org.uk is being launched as part of the campaign to provide information on fostering and how to become a foster carer.
The Fostering Network will be launching a new range of promotional materials highlighting these qualities, which include having a good sense of humour, being optimistic, having your feet firmly on the ground and showing resilience.
The Fostering Network press office can provide you with case studies to illustrate many different areas of fostering including short-term emergency, long term, respite, parent and baby; and experts to talk on a range of fostering issues.
When:
12-25 May 2008
Why:
There is a shortage of 10,000 foster carers across the UK. Almost anyone can apply to be a foster carer, but as with any career, some people will be more suited to it than others. Foster carers must be able to offer the time, commitment, space and skills to care for children separated from their own families. Children in care can benefit enormously from the chance to experience a stable family life. During Foster Care Fortnight we will be asking the public: Could you take on the challenge of fostering?
Gemma, 38, fosters two children. She says:
"The children we look after are often scared when they arrive, they have very little confidence and sometimes don’t know how to look after themselves properly. We can help to turn things around for them. It is fantastic to see them grow in confidence, overcome their fears and start to enjoy taking on responsibilities around the house. It is so rewarding to know that we helped them by providing the foundations for them the rebuild their lives."