Derbyshire County Council back national foster fortnight

There are around 630 children in care in Derbyshire and they all need a place to call home. That’s where foster carers step in to play a vital role in a child’s life.

Coun Kevin Gillott, cabinet member for Children and Young People, said: “We always need more foster carers across Derbyshire.

“Carers retire or move out of the county and we need to be able to replace them in order to continue providing safe, happy homes for all the children we look after.

“We are looking for people from all walks of life to come forward and find out if they have what it takes to become a foster carer.”

The council is particularly looking for homes for older children and sibling groups and offers its foster carers lots of benefits, support and training as well as competitive financial allowances.

Marital status is not a barrier to fostering. Foster carers may be single, married, in a civil partnership or living with a partner.

There are different types of fostering so you can still do it while working. Many working foster carers offer short-break or respite foster care.

There will be a fostering information event at County Hall in Matlock on Tuesday May 20 from 4pm to 7pm. Why not come along and find out more?

For more information call Derbyshire on 0800 083 7744 / 01629 533071 or visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/adoptionandfostering