A NEW campaign is hoping to help find local foster families for vulnerable children.
Staffordshire County Council said the new year was often a time when people might look for a new challenge or re-assess their situation.
The authority hopes that some will consider fostering as a new option for 2025 – with more than 60 new families currently needing to be found.
Staffordshire foster carers Judith and Martin Boyle are backing calls for people to find out more about the role.
Judith said:
“We’ve been fostering for five years now and it’s a wonderful thing to do.
“As a foster carer, you are never on your own and there’s always lots of support and training available.
“We also run a breakfast support group for foster carers ourselves, sharing our knowledge and supporting new foster carers, which is really important.
“Fostering is so rewarding and has transformed our lives. I’d definitely encourage people to take that first step to find out more about becoming a carer.”
An online information event is taking place on the Foster for Staffordshire website from 6pm to 7pm on 16th January for people wanting to find out more.
Cllr Mark Sutton, cabinet member for children and young people at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“When you hear about the amazing difference that fostering can make to a young person’s life, you’ll see why it’s such a wonderful thing to do.
“We all want to see children and young people who need to come into care and get the best possible start in life – and that’s exactly what you could do for a young person as an approved foster carer.
“Continuity is so important for a child, including giving them access to their extended family and their friends and school.
“All sorts of people from all walks of life can and do foster with us and you’re never on your own. There’s always advice on hand and lots of training available.
“And this year, we are especially looking for foster carers for teenagers, sibling groups and children with autism too, so please get in touch with the team if you think you can make a difference.”