1 May 2008

Fostering Fortnight

To mark Fostering Fortnight - 12^th-25^thMay, the Southern Health and Social Care Trust is raising awareness of the need for more foster carers throughout the area.

The Armagh and Dungannon Family Placement Team will have information stands at local supermarkets throughout the two weeks for anyone interested in finding out more about fostering:

Tuesday 13^thand Tuesday 20^th May at Marks and Spencers, Armagh, from 11am-1pm

Wednesday 14^th and Wednesday 21^st May at Sainsburys, Armagh from 11am -1pm

Thursday 15^th and Thursday 22^nd May at Tescos, Dungannon from 11am-1pm

Friday 16^th and Friday 23^rd May at the Loft Coffee Shop, the Linen Green, Dungannon from 12 noon – 2pm

In the Southern Trust there are 423 children and young people in care. Over 228 of these are placed in foster care and are cared for by 250 foster carers.

Martin McGrath, Head of Family Placement Services for the Trust says: “We are always looking for new foster carers. We need people from all backgrounds to care for children who cannot be looked after within their own families. This could be for a number of reasons for example, health or social issues, relationship problems or lack of support. Fostering provides security and stability for a child in such circumstances.

“We need carers who can provide emergency, short term, respite and long term placements for children from all ages and there is a particular need for carers who are willing to look after teenagers.”

Allowances are paid to cover the cost of caring for children. The Trust welcomes anyone who is interested in fostering. You may be single, young or older, employed or unemployed. You don’t need to be a homeowner but you do need to have space to accommodate a child.

Martin adds: “What is really important is that you want to help a child through a difficult period and can provide a safe, secure and loving family experience.”

As well as making a difference to a child’s life many foster carers find it very rewarding, as comments include: “Just to see her smile in the morning makes it all worthwhile” and “Seeing him become more confident is just great.”

The Southern Trust is running a series of Information Sessions throughout the area over the coming months for those who are interested in finding out more about fostering. This will provide an opportunity to hear from experienced social workers and foster carers about what the fostering task really entails.

Time	Venue	Local Contact
Thursday 8th May 2008 at 11.00am	Carrick House, Clogher,	Family Placement Team Dungannon Tel: 028 8775 2033
Tuesday 2nd July 2008 at 8.00pm	The Family Placement Team Office, Drumglass Site, 20 Coalisland Rd, Dungannon	Family Placement Team Dungannon Tel: 028 8775 2033
Tuesday 9th September 2008 at 8.00 pm	The Family Placement Team Office, Drumglass Site, 20 Coalisland Road, Dungannon	Family Placement Team Dungannon Tel: 028 8775 2033
Tuesday 11th November 2008 at 8.00 pm	Carrick House, Clogher	Family Placement Team Dungannon Tel: 028 8775 2033

To find out more about fostering contact your local Family Placement Team

Tel: 028 8775 2033