Video by Nottinghamshire County Council- Fostering success story
Nottinghamshire County Council are under pressure to recruit foster carers after it was revealed that over 200 children across the county still need foster homes.
There are currently 634 children in Nottinghamshire in foster care, according to latest figures but the County Council are looking to improve on that statistic by finding a foster home for the 208 children still without a carer.
Councillor Kate Foale, vice-chairman of the Children and Young People’s Services Committee and the lead on children social care said: “Finding sufficient numbers of the right carers is a challenge faced by all fostering services.
“In Notts, we are particularly looking for foster carers to look after sibling groups and older children to provide them with a loving, secure home.
Councillor Foale added that it was extremely important they found the right type of person to become a foster carer.
“We need foster carers based in Nottinghamshire who have the right skills and experience to do a job that is so rewarding. If you are loving, understanding and resilient and would like to make a positive impact on a child’s life, we would very much like to hear from you,” Foale added.
Notts County Council will be holding ‘drop-in sessions’ at its various libraries over the next couple of months in a bid to recruit more foster carers. The dates are as follows:
Thursday, 29 September 2-4pm (Hucknall Library)
Thursday, 20 October 4-6pm (West Bridgford Library)
Wednesday, 16 November 4-6pm (Newark Library)
Elaine Mills is the fostering recruitment officer for Nottinghamshire County Council are says that anyone that is interested should come along to one of their “informal” sessions.
She said: “There’s no need to book, just turn up any time between the start and end times and have a chat to one of us. It’s a chance for people to ask us questions in person and get more information.
“We’re looking for foster carers for children and young people of all ages, but are especially interested in speaking to anyone with a particular interest in fostering sibling groups, older children or children and young people with more complex needs where our need is greatest.”
Proud foster carers Christine and Steve Birchnall from Bassetlaw watched from the sidelines as 15-year-old Caren Callaghan helped Team GB win gold for in-line hockey at last year’s Junior Olympics in California.
The County Council’s service manager for fostering Naomi Sills said: “What better example of how the right foster home can help a young person on the road to success and fulfilment than Caren’s story.
So if you are interested in becoming a foster carer, head down to one of Nottinghamshire Council’s sessions or visit their website for more information.
