Baby steps on road to foster care

STAFF from Foster Care Associates are set to host recruitment events throughout the North-West next month to mark Foster Care Fortnight.

The FCA team is planning a range of events to give would-be carers the opportunity to chat face-to-face with advisers.

Foster Care Fortnight is an annual campaign which aims to highlight the fantastic work done by foster carers to help transform the lives of looked-after children and young people.

Lynne Deegan, from Foster Care Associates, said: “There is a high demand for carers in the North-West, therefore we are actively looking for responsible, nurturing adults who have a spare room and can give children in need of a foster home the support they need to thrive and grow.

“There are many factors which make up an ideal candidate — everything from being adaptable, resilient and nurturing to being a good listener and flexible in response to a young person’s needs.

“Foster Care Fortnight is the ideal opportunity to meet with people and have an informal face-to-face chat to find out more about fostering.

“People are often surprised by how much support and training is available and this is a key driver for many people coming forward and becoming a foster carer with FCA.

“Fostering is an incredibly rewarding experience. We have some amazing people caring for children and young people across the area, and our regional offices ensure those local to the area benefit from the support we have to offer whenever they need it.”

The FCA team will be at the Chorley carnival parade to celebrate the forthcoming opening of its new office in Chorley and will also have a stand at the Cumberland County Show, on June 6 and 7.

There will also be weekly drop-in sessions at the FCA office in Haws Hill, Carnforth, all day every Wednesday, at the FCA Liverpool office in Allerton, every Friday, between 2 and 4pm and at the Middleton office in Greenside Way, every Friday, between 10am and noon.

Anyone interested in finding out more about fostering can meet up with the FCA team at the events or call 0800 022 4012 and speak to the FCA Recruitment Team.