Potential first time foster carers in the Lancaster and Morecambe Bay area are being encouraged to come forward
In Foster Care Fortnight, which runs until May 25, people are being asked to think about the life changing benefits they can bring to a young person’s life by providing a home for them.
Figures published in 2024 by the Foster Care Network show there has, for example, been a 40 per cent drop in available foster carers in the North West of England.
Factors such as the pandemic, the cost of living crisis and changing family situations are believed to have been potential contributing factors to the decline.
Foster Care Fortnight is 'Celebrating the Power of Relationships' in fostering and how successful bonding, between not only a foster carer and a child but also with social workers, the fostering community and even the child’s birth parents. can transform lives.
"Relationships are a huge part of fostering," said Jen Gibbons, who has been a foster carer for over 12 years.
"Building strong firm relationships means not only developing a bond with the children themselves but also getting to know everyone that is influential in the child's life, including birth parents and extended family plus teachers at the child's school, teaching assistants and others.
"As professional foster carers we play an integral part of the children's lives, so also working closely also with social workers and support workers and other key staff provides that wrap around care for the child which is vital. Relationships like this put the child in a place of security, knowing every person around them is working to create the best outcome for them."
Hannah Makin, registered manager for Fostering with the Lancashire-based Family Care Group said: “For both a foster carer and the young person they are supporting, the power of the bond they develop is so important in helping to shape the child’s confidence, feeling of security and purpose. The close working we do ourselves with the carers and support groups forms a key part of developing this.
“There is a real need in North Lancashire right now for more foster carers to come forward and provide that support for a young person so we would really encourage people to consider fostering for the first time. Whether you are already a parent or not, the opportunity for you to take that step is there waiting for you.
“Fostering can mean provide safe, nurturing homes for a young person - whether for a night, a few months, or several years. But by taking that step, you can make a lasting difference to a young person’s life.”
Learn more about Foster Care Fortnight and how to become a foster carer HERE.
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