More foster parents needed in Nottinghamshire to help vulnerable children

Nottinghamshire County Council is backing the call as part of Foster Care Fortnight, which runs until May 24.

It is as important as ever for people to come forward as foster carers during the coronavirus crisis, as children and young people continue to face challenges and turbulent home lives, foster carers are able to step in and help them.

Coun Phillip Owen, chairman of children’s services for the council, said: “While the country currently continues to have restrictions and guidelines due to the coronavirus pandemic, it is important to remember that there are still children and young people out there who need our help.

“We need people to come forward who can open their home to a child or young person in need.

“We offer excellent support and payments to our foster carers, so I would encourage anyone who is at a crossroads in their career or who has the time to dedicate to foster care, to find out more on our website and enquire about fostering.”

This year, Foster Care Fortnight which is a national campaign led by The Fostering Network celebrates the devotion of foster carers and the positive impact that they have on society.

Lynn, a support foster carer with the council, said: “It’s a way of life for us now.

“We just find it really rewarding with the relationships that we build up with these young people.

“We do feel fully supported and it’s like being part of a team.”

While face-to-face training sessions are currently on hold, foster carers can access online learning and their supervising social worker is just a phone call away for support and guidance .

Other support and benefits available to foster carers with the council include support groups made up of other foster carers, individual support from social workers and benefits such as special library entitlements, Max Cards, which offer discounts across the UK, and tax relief.

For more details, visit the fostering page on the council’s website, follow the council’s fostering team on Facebook or call 0115 8044440.

The foster care team is also holding a virtual coffee and fostering chat on Wednesday, May 20 from 1.30pm to 2.30pm.

See the Facebook page for details.