Appeal for more foster carers to come forward

East Riding of Yorkshire and North East Lincolnshire Councils are appealing as part of Foster Care Fortnight

Councils in the Humber region are holding a series of drop-in sessions to encourage more people to take up fostering.

East Riding of Yorkshire and North East Lincolnshire councils are running the events during Foster Care Fortnight which runs from 13 to 26 May.

Foster carers, along with people who have been fostered, will be sharing their experiences to encourage people to consider fostering.

The authorities said anyone wished to take up fostering would receive "comprehensive support".

East Riding of Yorkshire Council's cabinet member for children, families and education, Victoria Aitken, said: "Sometimes children are unable to live with their own family. This may be due to a crisis in the family, ill health, relationship difficulty, bereavement or because the child needs to be protected.

“This is where foster carers come in, providing a safe, secure, and loving home.”

Paul, a foster carer for many years said, there is a particular shortage of male foster carers.

He said: “There are young people who have female role models in their lives, but really benefit from care and guidance from a male foster carer.”

'No pressure'

People can speak to the fostering team at one of the drop-in information events:

• Tuesday 14 May: Immingham Civic Centre

• Thursday 16 May: Facebook Live event via North East Lincolnshire Council's Facebook page

• Saturday 18 May: East Riding Leisure, Beverley

• Sunday 19 May: Bridlington Kite Festival

• Wednesday 22 May: East Riding Leisure, Haltemprice

Jacqueline Mills, specialist lead in children's services at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “It is important that we hold information events because our children need loving and safe homes.

“There is no pressure on anyone to sign up to anything, simply drop by for a chat if you are curious and would like to know more.”

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