MORE foster parents are needed in Huddersfield.
Kirklees Council today launches a campaign to recruit more people to look after the district’s vulnerable children.
There are currently more than 340 young people in foster care in Kirklees.
But another 100 children are being cared for by foster parents outside the district because of a shortage of volunteers here.
The council’s Cabinet member for children and families, Clr Ken Smith, urged people to help.
“There is a general shortage of foster carers across Kirklees but we particularly need more people to look after teenagers and sibling groups plus carers who would be interested in short break, support care or long-term fostering,” he said.
“It is very important we acknowledge the contribution that our foster carers are already making to the lives of looked after children in our community.
“We truly value their hard work and commitment. We really need more people to come forward to help us reduce the number of children being cared for outside the area.
“Foster carers work as part of a team, with social workers, teachers and other professionals to help the children they look after.
“They provide care for children and young people in their home while their own family are unable to look after them.
“Fostering can be hard work but it is also very rewarding. You will need dedication, energy and compassion – together with a spare room in your house.”
Foster parents come from all backgrounds and can be single, married, divorced or widowed.
Carers can be of any religious or cultural background and do not need to have any previous experience of looking after children.
Kirklees is also searching for volunteers to provide short break care – taking on a disabled child for four nights a month to give their family a rest.
The council’s campaign to recruit more foster parents will run for a week and will include bus and roadside posters.
For more information call 0800 389 0086 or visit www.kirklees.gov.uk/fostering
