FRESH appeals were made today to overcome a shortage of foster parents and encourage more people to come forward to give homes to children in Suffolk living in county council care.
FRESH appeals were made today to overcome a shortage of foster parents and encourage more people to come forward to give homes to children in Suffolk living in county council care.
County Councillors Clare Aitchison and Rosie Clarke said more foster parents were desperately needed to provide a stable, caring family home life.
“As mothers, we respect the work that Suffolk's foster carers do for children who, through no fault of their own, can't stay with their own family,” said Wilford councillor Mrs Clarke.
“We can't think of anything more valuable for our community, now and far into the future, than helping to look after a needy child.
“It's a chance to make a big positive difference to someone's life - how often do we get that chance? Please do consider whether you could offer your help.
“You will be paid the going rate and have great support from council staff. Do phone for a chat or have a look at all the information on our website. It could be the best thing you will ever do!”
There are about 700 children looked after by Suffolk County Council and there are around 300 foster carers.
“Many more carers are still needed from all the communities in Suffolk to make sure that children in our care have the best chance of being looked after by local foster carers. Foster carers can be married or not, have children at home or not - we need everyone,” said Mrs Aitchison, councillor for the Wickham Market area.
The shortage of foster carers means some children may not always be able to live near enough to be able to go to the same school or their brothers and sisters have to live with another foster family which is not nearby.
This can make it much harder for children to cope with being in care. The county council is looking to recruit more foster carers to join the Suffolk Fostering Service to make sure children get all the support, care and attention they need and deserve.
More information about becoming a foster carer is available on 0800 328 2148 or www.suffolkfostering.com.
What do you think of the work of Suffolk's foster parents? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk
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