Appeal for foster carers to tackle shortage

People have been urged to consider fostering amid a shortage of carers

People have been asked to consider fostering by a council, amid a shortage of carers.

Sarah Coleman, the Cornwall Council's head of fostering and adoption, said at least 36 new carers were needed in the county over the next 12 months.

Ms Coleman said authorities were "really struggling" to get people to come forward.

There are fears the cost-of-living crisis may be putting people off.

'Not alone'

Ms Coleman said: "We're really struggling to get people to come forward and foster for Cornwall and this is the same picture across the country.

"I think they're worried about support and what support might look like from the council.

"We're trying to help people to show they're not alone in this."

Hilary, a former foster parent from Hayle, said she had been paid weekly per child.

"There was enough money coming in as far as I was aware," she said.

She said her experience fostering two children had been rewarding.

"It was a big change to my life," she said.

"I felt very supported, especially in the early days when they knew I was new to parenting."

Ms Coleman said the council was looking for people who could offer stable homes.

She added: "We need people to come forward who are prepared to accept children in to their family, to look after them and care for them, but also have the resilience and the stability of being alongside that young person through thick and thin."