Council launches fostering campaign

Timed to coincide with Foster Care Fortnight which starts on Monday, and a regional TV advertising campaign for fostering, the council is looking for new people to come forward and help local children who require either short or long-term support.

There are currently 43,000 foster carers in the UK, but The Fostering Network estimates a further 10,000 are required – with several hundred in Yorkshire alone.

In the Wakefield district there are currently 125 foster carers with an extra 40 needed.

Coun Pat Garbutt, the cabinet member for children and young people, said: "There are actually very few barriers to fostering – people are welcomed from a wide range of backgrounds. The main requirements are that you're over 21, have a spare room in your home and, of course, room in your life to accommodate a child or young person."

All foster carers receive a weekly payment and a further allowance to cover the cost of caring for a child. Contact the fostering team on 0800 197 0320 or visit www.wakefield.gov.uk for information.