DORSET Council is joining forces with other local authorities across the south west region this Christmas to call for more people to consider becoming foster carers.
According to The Fostering Network, there are 6,140 children in care in the south west and 2,650 fostering households, with many more needed.
Local authorities from Dorset, Bath and North East Somerset, Cornwall, Devon, Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire have all come together to run the Christmas campaign. They are calling for those in the region with space in their home and their lives to consider fostering for their council.
Isla, a child living with a foster family in Dorset, said, ““Christmas was different because it was a lot more fun. It was lovely to have a nice family like you guys.”
Craig and his wife Kim are currently being assessed as foster carers and said: “We're making plans about what we're going to do for Christmas and we just realize that actually we've got the space and the time to welcome someone else into our home.”
One foster carer said: “I want every child to feel the magic of Christmas. It’s always a magical time of year and being able to give vulnerable children the chance to feel the love and magic of Christmas makes it a whole lot more special for us.”
Cllr Andrew Parry, Portfolio Holder for Children, Education, Skills and Early Help for Dorset Council: “There is a huge need to raise awareness of the need for more foster carers across our region. This festive campaign will help people to understand that when you foster for your local council you are part of a service that is not for profit and where every penny is spent on providing a good service to the children and their foster carers.
“We are so grateful to all our foster carers, not only at Christmas but all year round. They make a real difference to the lives of children in our county.”
If you are interested in fostering, you need to be aged 21 or over and have a spare bedroom. Find out more by visiting www.fosterindorset.co.uk or call 01305 225568.
You can also follow the campaign at www.facebook.com/FosterInDorset
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