Foster families urge others to come forward in national campaign

Specialising in fostering children on a short-term basis, they provide full-time care for one child and have been fostering for the county council for three years.

The couple from Eccleshall already had two children of their own but decided to foster because they wanted to support a local child.

Craig said: “We initially started fostering on a short break basis as we both work and wanted to try out fostering before committing to it full-time. We found we both loved it and so are now full-time foster carers and we manage to both work and foster with the support of our employers.

“Fostering is all about building relationships with the children who come to stay, helping them to settle in, earning their trust and helping them to thrive. It’s a two-way learning journey; each child needs and brings something a little bit different.

“We’re really enjoying being foster carers and would say to anyone thinking about fostering, to contact the team to find out more. There is also lots of support and training available, both during the fostering assessment and ongoing. If we had known about the support in place and the different types of fostering opportunities that exist within Staffordshire, we could have started fostering sooner.”

Staffordshire County Council are looking to recruit 60 new foster families this year and are using Foster Care Fortnight, which starts today (Monday, 12 May), to raise awareness.

Bernie Brown, director for children and families at the authority, said: “Our foster carers do an amazing job of building long-lasting relationships with the children who come into their care and they make a real difference.

“During the fortnight, the team will be out and about across the county with local foster families and I’d encourage anyone thinking about fostering to come along and find out what’s involved.

“There are lots of different types of fostering, from short-term and long-term fostering, resilience foster care for children moving out of residential homes and also supported lodgings. Our friendly fostering team will be able to talk you through the different options available and what might best suit you and your family.”

Throughout the fortnight, Staffordshire’s foster team will be calling in at the following towns:

• Tuesday 13 May, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre 10am-12pm

• Wednesday 14 May, Cannock Town Centre 10am-2pm

• Wednesday 14 May, Fazeley Town Hall, Tamworth 10am-12pm

• Friday 16 May, Newcastle Iron Market Square 10am-2pm

• Wednesday 21 May, Uttoxeter Dove Fields Car Park 10am-2pm

• Thursday 22 May, Burton Town Hall Jobs Fair 10am-1pm

• Thursday 22 May, Birches Valley Cannock Chase 10am-2pm

• Friday 23 May, Wolseley Wildlife Centre 10am-2pm

People can also sign up for an online information meeting on 22 May or find out more about fostering with the council at www.fosterwithstaffordshire.co.uk