Cumbria County Council are calling for more people to consider becoming foster carers as the number of children coming into care is likely to rise as the lockdown eases.
The council already supports 232 fostering families across the county, but with more than 700 children in care in Cumbria and more children continuing to enter the care system during the coronavirus pandemic, we urgently need to recruit more carers.
There is a particular need for foster carers to look after older children, teenagers and siblings groups who want to stay together, but carers for children and young people of any age are also needed.
Applicants who take up the opportunity will be helped at every step of the way by the council’s fostering service, whose team is working remotely from home to ensure foster carer assessments and training can still go ahead during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The council offers excellent training and a full package of support to all of our carers, including initial Skills to Foster Training, generous allowances, regular support groups, peer mentors for new carers and a dedicated support social worker.
Claire Lloyd, Service manager, Fostering & Adoption, said: “Now, more than ever, we are urging those who may have been thinking about fostering for a while, or those who may not have previously considered it but who are re-evaluating life since the lockdown, to begin the process.
“If you have a spare room a child could call their own and wish to make a difference to the lives of local children, please get in touch.”
Find out about fostering at a virtual drop-in:
Wherever you are on your fostering journey you are welcome to join us and talk to our experienced carers and friendly team members and ask any questions you may have. Our upcoming events:
- Thursday 9 July – 4pm to 5pm
- Tuesday 21 July – 11am to 12pm
- Friday 31 July – 3pm to 4pm
- Thursday 13 August – 6.30pm to 7.30pm
It is so easy to join our virtual drop-ins, just enter the link below into your internet browser and wait to be let in from the waiting room!
Join our Zoom drop-ins – https://zoom.us/j/99082558447
Alternatively you can call the fostering team on 0303 333 1216 or visit cumbria.gov.uk/fostering and start your fostering journey today.
