Plymouth City Council’s fostering service is asking people if they could help to change a child’s life through fostering.
The Council are urging people to consider becoming foster carers as more children continue to need care during the coronavirus crisis, especially siblings and teenagers.
There are currently more than 450 children and young people in care and there is an on-going campaign to recruit more foster carers that will be able to provide a local foster home for local Plymouth children.
Councillor Jemima Laing Cabinet Member for Children and Young people said: “It is recognised that the Coronavirus pandemic has caused additional strain on the lives of Plymouth families and children and there are times we will need your help to provide a safe and supportive environment during these uncertain times.”
When a child cannot be cared for within their family, the Council’s first priority is for them to be looked after by a local authority foster carer, as they usually live in the area near to a child’s family and friends and therefore supports a continued connection.
Fostering is a way to make a real positive difference to a child's life, providing children and young people with a stable and loving home and the support and encouragement they need to flourish and achieve. Fostering for Plymouth City Council also offers full training, support and the opportunity to learn new skills.
Plymouth Foster carers are financially supported with an allowance. The allowance is designed to cover the daily costs of looking after the child and varies according to the age and needs of the child. Foster carers receive lots of training to support them to understand the needs of the children they will be caring for.
Tara has been fostering for just over a year. She said: “So far I am loving the challenge of helping to make a difference. We have laughed many times along our journey and I feel blessed to share those special moments with my foster child.”
Councillor Laing added: "All the children in our care are different, and to meet their needs, we are looking for a wide variety of people. Fostering is a challenging role to take on but it can make a real difference. If you feel that you are looking for a challenge then why not get in touch and make that first step that will change a child's life?"
Anyone wanting to find out more about becoming a foster carer can contact the Council's fostering team on 01752 308762 or visit www.fosterforplymouth.co.uk