As a national appeal for foster carers across the country is made, Durham County Council is urgently looking for more families too.

The Fostering Network, the UKs leading charity for foster care, has estimated that in the North East, 450 more foster families are needed this year to care for children and young people, so Durham Fostering Service is asking for those who can offer a caring home to a child to come forward.

In County Durham there are record numbers of children waiting to find a long term family to call their own and therefore 50 new families are needed by the end of the year.

Florence Coulter, team manager for fostering with Durham County Council, said: “We would like to encourage anyone thinking about fostering to come forward and find out more.

“Foster families come in all shapes and sizes, some are single carers and some have children of their own but they all have one thing in common and that is that they have the right skills to care for children. In short, they are ordinary people doing an extraordinary job, which our carers tell us is very rewarding.

“Many people don’t realise the support that’s available to our foster carers.  We offer excellent financial support packages in recognition of the work involved in fostering.”

In Durham there is a dedicated therapeutic service for looked after children, which includes a consultant clinical psychologist and a team of therapists. This means every aspect of available support is second to none and all of the council’s foster carers rate this service extremely highly. There is an extensive training programme to develop parents’ skills, local support groups and a wide range of professionals available for advice.

Florence added: “Fostering in Durham is a team approach and we would welcome your interest in finding out more about this rewarding career and making a real difference to children’s lives.”

If you have ever thought about fostering now is the time to pick up the phone or send an email. Anyone interested can get in touch with Durham County Council: Tel: 03000 269 400 Email: fostering@durham.gov.uk  Web: www.durham.gov.uk/fostering