People are urged to come forward to provide youngsters with loving homes.
Due to COVID-19, there has been a big drop-off in the number of people asking about foster care in West Cumbria.
Cumbria County Council is holding an information event on Saturday in Workington and the authority is calling for more people to come forward to offer the support and stability that could transform a fostered child’s life.
The council’s fostering service currently supports around 275 foster carers but with more than 725 children in care across Cumbria, there is an urgent need to recruit more carers for children of all ages.
The event will be held at St Michael’s Church Parish Rooms on Dean Street.
The council is looking for foster carers from a diverse range of backgrounds and has friendly and experienced staff to support them every step of the way. It offers an extensive training programme, foster carer support groups, one-to-one social worker support and professional development opportunities.
Foster carers also receive generous allowances to recognise their skills and to cover their expenses.
Councillor Anne Burns, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “Foster carers come from a wide range of backgrounds and professions, but what unites them all is a desire and ability to give children the start in life they deserve and to support young people in care to reach their potential.
“If you feel you could make a difference to the lives of local children by offering them a loving home, then we’d love to hear from you. Attending one of our events around the county is a great way to find out more and to get started on your fostering journey.”
Two sessions will be held – from 9.45am to 11.45am and 12.15pm to 2.15pm. Refreshments will be provided.
For more information or to register for the event, email claire.crisp@cumbria.gov.uk or come along to one of the sessions on the day.
If you have a spare room and the time and commitment to nurture a child or young person, then we’d love to speak to you at our event next week.
To find out more about fostering come along to our upcoming event or contact us today on 0303 333 1216 or visit cumbria.gov.uk/fostering for more details.
