This Foster Care Fortnight (15 to 28 May), Plymouth City Council is calling on individuals and families to consider opening their hearts and homes to local children in need of a loving and stable environment
There are currently nearly 500 children and young people in care in Plymouth and a shortage of foster carers, particularly to look after teenagers and children with disabilities.
Foster Care Fortnight is an annual campaign to raise the profile of fostering and show how foster care transforms lives, and this year’s theme is ‘community’. Finding local families for children to live with is vitally important, as it means that they can remain in familiar surroundings with less disruption and receive support from their wider community, for example by staying at school with friends and trusted adults.
Foster for Plymouth, the Council’s own fostering service, is asking residents who are interested in finding out more to get in touch.
Foster carers come from all walks of life, and there is no one 'ideal' type of carer. The Council welcomes applications from individuals or couples who are over 21, have a spare room and can provide a safe and stable home environment. Training and support are provided throughout the fostering process, and carers receive a generous allowance to cover the cost of caring for a child.
If you are interested in becoming a foster carer or want to learn more about the process visit www.fosterforplymouth.co.uk, or contact the Foster for Plymouth team by calling 01752 308762 or emailing fostering@plymouth.gov.uk.
The Foster for Plymouth team will also be in Drake Circus on Saturday 20 May between 10am to 6pm if you would like to meet them in person and find out more.