A UK-wide recruitment campaign to encourage more people to consider whether they have the qualities needed to foster is being launched by the Fostering Network on Monday 12 May, to coincide with the start of Foster Care Fortnight (12–25 May).
With the strapline fostering: recognise the qualities you’ve got, the campaign highlights the qualities needed to become a foster carer. The aim is to encourage 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. Key qualities include strong listening and observational skills, a good sense of humour, optimism and resilience.
Foster carer Johannah Muckley said: "Every day I'm listening to, observing and guiding the children in my care, and I wouldn't get anywhere as a foster carer if I couldn’t see the funny side of life.
"But when I decided to become a foster carer, I didn't realise that it was these everyday qualities that would make me a good candidate to look after other people's children. The training I’ve had since then has helped me to develop these qualities and skills so that I can provide these children with the care that they need.
"I hope that this campaign allows many other people to realise that they too have the basic qualities needed to become great foster carers."
Campaign co-ordinator Helen Clarke said: "While almost anyone can apply to be a foster carer, like with any career, some people will be more suited to it than others. This recruitment campaign identifies the qualities needed to be a foster carer, and encourages people to recognise these in themselves."
Foster Care Fortnight is the Fostering Network’s annual campaign to raise the profile of fostering and encourage people to consider becoming foster carers. Launch events are taking place in Belfast, Cardiff and London on Monday 12 May, and in Edinburgh on Tuesday 13 May. During the fortnight fostering services all over the UK will be holding imaginative, innovative and fun events aimed at raising awareness of fostering.
People wanting more information about becoming a foster carer should contact their local fostering service, call Fosterline on 0800 040 7675 or email info@fostering.net, or visit www.couldyoufoster.org.uk
For more details on the four events download the media invitations for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. A press pack for this year's campaign is also available.
New figures on the number of foster carers needed in each of the four nations over the next year will also be released at the event. An embargoed news release is available for members of the media; please contact media@fostering.net