Stephen Metcalfe MP: backs Foster Care Fortnight
Stephen Metcalfe, the local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock is backing the call for people to come forward and make their connection with fostering during The Fostering Network’s annual Foster Care Fortnight campaign.
This year alone, 8,370 new foster carers are needed right across the UK to ensure that the rising number of children coming into care can have the best chance of find a loving foster family who can not only meet their needs, but help them build a positive future.
Over 63,000 children live with almost 55,000 foster families across the UK each day. There is a particular need for foster carers to look after teenagers, disabled children and sibling groups, with the need for more foster carers meaning that children may end up far from home, be split up from brothers and sisters or lose touch with family and friends.
There are very few barriers to fostering and your local fostering service will provide you all the training and support you need to ensure you can be a foster carer that can change lives. All children are unique, so we need a diverse foster carer population to provide the best home to help each individual child flourish and fulfil their potential.
Stephen Metcalfe commented: “Foster Care Fortnight is a hugely important occasion, because as each year passes, we see more and more children coming into care. It is vital that more people open up their minds and homes to fostering so that children and young people can get crucial support in their lives.”
“I know of some brilliant foster carers here in Basildon and Thurrock, and it is important to use Foster Care Fortnight to recognise all of the work that these people do in supporting children and young people. However, it is also important to use this occasion to raise awareness of the need for more and more people to become involved in fostering.”
Jackie Sanders, director of The Fostering Network, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Stephen Metcalfe is supporting this year’s Foster Care Fortnight.”
“It shows that they recognise the need to make sure that the children and young people of South Basildon and East Thurrock who most need support, love and care have it.”
If you believe you have the skills and qualities needed to provide a loving home to children and young people in foster care, then find out more by visiting fostering.net
