More than 350 people have asked about becoming foster carers since Calderdale Council launched its latest recruitment campaign six months ago.

That’s a record number for the council, but officials still needs more people to come forward, especially to foster teenagers, and are stepping up a campaign to highlight the benefits of fostering older children, using a mixture of social media marketing, posters around the borough and local newspapers.

The government is now supporting young people remaining in foster care until the age of 21, by ensuring foster carers are financially supported until this time. Previously foster carers were only supported financially until the young person reached 18.

Calderdale Council runs support groups for foster carers, where they can share information and advice. Each fostering household has an allocated social worker who provides support on a regular basis, and all Calderdale foster carers have access to the Council’s fostering training sessions.

Clr Megan Swift, said: “A significant number of young people who need foster care in Calderdale are teenagers, so we’re particularly encouraging people to come forward who can provide the skills required to look after children in this age group.

“Fostering teenagers can be a challenge, but local foster carers consistently tell us how hugely rewarding it is. Helping them to develop confidence and independence, and to build a future, makes a massive difference to young people and fosterers alike. Wherever possible, we want to make sure that teenagers don’t have to change schools, which is why we want as many people as possible to come forward locally”.

People thinking about becoming foster carers are invited to an information evening on Wednesday, September 17, at Halifax Town Hall from 7.00pm. Staff from the Council’s fostering team, as well as foster carers who look after teenagers, will be there to answer questions.

Jenny’s story

Jenny, from Calderdale went into foster care when she was at primary school. She is now in her early 20s and studying to become a teacher.

She said: “Being fostered has opened up so many doors for me – opportunities that I wouldn’t have had otherwise. I’ve been successful in my education and now I’m one step closer to my dream of being a teacher.

“I lived with my foster carers for about seven years. We have a great relationship and I still see them now. They’re the first people I go to if I need advice – they’re always there for me. They treat me as their daughter and I see them as my parents. I’m so grateful to them. They gave me stability when I needed it most, which meant I could focus on my education and work in part-time jobs. They gave me a childhood, encouraged me to join out-of-school clubs, built my confidence and taught me respect.

“To anyone thinking of becoming a foster carer, I would say that not only could you help a young person grow into a mature adult; you could also have one of the most rewarding experiences of your life”.