Foster carers across Redcar and Cleveland have told their stories in the hope that others will consider offering a home to a vulnerable child.
Three couples from very different backgrounds and at different stages of their fostering journey have agreed to be featured as part of Fostering Fortnight.
Fostering fortnight is a campaign designed to spread the word about fostering and dispel a few myths. The council's foster team is holding an online recruitment event at 7pm on Wednesday (19 May).
The borough's recent 'Foscar' – foster care – award winners, this year were the very experienced Coxes, of Brotton who have dedicated themselves to foster care for three years while the Nortons are among the council's newest carers.
Meanwhile, the Porritts have been fostering for over a year and have fostered children with a range of different needs.
Contrary to the perceptions of many that foster carers have lots of free time and empty homes, all three couples have children of their own living with them and have at least one member of the family working full time. Many others in the borough are single, work and still find time to provide care for a vulnerable teenager.
“Our foster carers are truly wonderful people and I would like to thank each and every one of them for what they do," said Councillor Alison Barnes, Cabinet Member for Children.
“We know that many people think you have to be retired or not be working to be a foster carer, but that's simply not true. There are lots of different types of foster care, it doesn't have to be long term. It could be for emergency weekend cover or respite care. Other carers specialise, for example, you could give respite for families with disabled children. We also have a supported lodgings scheme for young people, no longer of fostering age, who just need somewhere to stay. There is a financial aspect to it – you get paid an allowance, depending on the type of support you offer. This is all part of providing the highest standard of care for all of our children and young people who deserve the best"
The council's foster team is organising an online event for anyone interested to find out much more 7pm on Wednesday 19 May - simply log on to https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/152818547389
Or get in touch any time by emailing the fostering team on 01642 444087 or foster@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk
Or, could you offer a home to an older teenager or young person? Financial payments are available for those who have room for a young person aged 16 and over. Call 01642 488433 or email Susanne.rhodes@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk