Wakefield Council calls for more foster carers this Foster Care Fortnight

Foster carers across the district, alongside staff and young people, have been sharing their stories on Facebook of why they care about fostering, using the hashtag #WhyWeCare.

Coun Margaret Isherwood, Wakefield Council s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “We want people to know how valued foster carers are to us and the powerful impact their role makes on children and young people, and our communities.

“Being a foster carer provides a home for a child or young person, whether that be in the long or short term, or emergency care, and provides invaluable love and stability.

“These uncertain times have given an opportunity for many of us to reflect on what really matters most to us. If you are drawn towards caring for others and have been thinking about becoming a foster carer please get in touch with us.

“Our fostering team are here to support you every step of the way.”Foster carers need to be over the age of 21 and have a spare room but there is no such thing as a typical carer.

People can apply regardless of their marital status, sexuality, religious or cultural background. They don’t have to be a homeowner, or employed, and can be with or without children.

Kezia and Mark Robinson started fostering over 10 years ago and say it has enriched their lives.

Kezia said: “We felt like we were really blessed with the things that we had and we wanted to open our home and share that, and enable another young person or child to benefit from it.

“I think it became clear really early on into that journey that although we gave a lot, and sometimes you do really need to dig deep, actually we received so much – both in the relationships with young people and just learning.”

To find out more visit www.wakefield.gov.uk/fostering or call 0800 197 0320.

Hear more of the reasons #WhyWeCare about fostering, including from staff, foster carers, and children and young people themselves at www.facebook.com/roominwakefield/.