Thought Of Becoming A Foster Carer?

East Riding residents who are thinking of fostering can now find out more by viewing a short film featuring some current foster carers.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council is hoping to recruit more foster carers, particularly for children aged from five to 15.

A ‘Find out about fostering’ information event will be held at Tickton Grange Hotel, Tickton, near Beverley on Tuesday 10 March, at 6pm, when anyone who is considering becoming a foster carer is welcome to go along.

In addition, potential foster carers can also find out more by watching the short film, which can be found by visiting the council’s webpage at www.eastriding.gov.uk/fostering and clicking on the video link.

At the information event on 10 March, people interested in becoming a foster carer will have an opportunity to talk to fostering social workers and discuss suitability; meet foster carers and their birth children; talk to looked after young people and hear about their experiences; and find out about free professional training.

Prospective foster carers should ideally be over 25, they can be single, married or co-habiting. People with or without families, heterosexual, lesbian or gay, can be foster carers.

Dave Glenville, the council’s fostering team leader, said: “Almost anyone can apply to be a foster carer. We recognise that families come in all shapes and sizes, but, as with any career, some people will be more suited to it than others.

“The information event is designed to give people who are interested in fostering a chance to meet people who are already involved and find out if becoming a foster carer is for them.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about becoming a foster carer, or would like to book a place at the event, can contact the fostering team on (01482) 396673.