Plea for new fosterers in Kirklees

Kirklees Council’s fostering team are encouraging people to consider providing vulnerable children with a stable and loving home.

Every 20 minutes across the UK a child comes into care in need of a foster family.

This means that during Foster Care Fortnight (May 16-29 and) over 1,000 children will need a foster family.

​Kirklees Council’s fostering team is urging anyone interested in fostering, or who needs to find out more before making a decision, to call them or attend one of the open events, before they rule themselves out.

​Carly Speechley, Kirklees Council’s assistant director for family support and child protection, said: “Last year we successfully matched over 50 children with long-term foster families. But every year the number of children entering the care system continues to rise locally and nationally.

“There is no one size fits all in fostering and what is right for one foster child might not be right for another. That is why we’d like people from all backgrounds and all walks of life to consider fostering.

“We are always looking for good, caring people who can offer a safe and secure home to a child or young person.

“There are many myths about who can become a foster carer. But what really matters is that someone has the commitment, skills and ability to look after children separated from their own families.

“It is often an emotional and confusing time for children when they come into the care system. These children, through no fault of their own, find themselves uprooted from everything they know and need the stability that only a loving foster family can provide.

“During Foster Care Fortnight we are urging people to think about the difference they can make to a child’s life.

“Although it can be challenging, foster caring is also fun, fulfilling and hugely rewarding.”

Two special events with Kirklees foster carers will take place.

The first is on Tuesday, May 17 at Dewsbury Museum, Crow Nest Park, noon-3pm.

The second is on Tuesday, May 24 at Tolson Museum, Huddersfield, noon-3pm.

You can also visit www.kirklees.gov.uk/fostering or calling 0800 389 0086.