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 Craigavon and Banbridge Family Placement Team is hosting two local events for anyone interested in fostering where they will have the opportunity to chat to staff and foster carers.

A drop in session will take place at Banbridge Social Services Centre – The Iveagh Suite, on Wednesday 21st May from 11.00am to 4.00pm.

A coffee morning will take place at Bocombra Family Placement Services, Portadown on Friday 23^rd May from 10.00am to 12.00noon.

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
Tuesday 13th May 2008 at 7.00 pm	Conference Room, Portadown Health Centre	Family Placement Team Portadown Tel: 028 3833 7181
Wednesday 18th June 2008 at 8.00 pm	The Iveagh Suite, Banbridge, Social Services Offices, Banbridge	Family Placement Team Portadown Tel: 028 383 37181
Wednesday 17th September 2008 at 8.00 pm	The Baby Clinic Room, Lurgan Social Services Office	Family Placement Team Portadown Tel: 028 3833 7181
Tuesday 14th October 2008 at 7.00 pm	The Conference Room, Portadown Health Centre,	Family Placement Team Portadown Tel: 028 3833 7181

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

Tel: 028 3833 7181