Upcoming events:
- Tuesday, 21st May
- Wednesday, 12th June
- Thursday, 4th July
These events are held from 6.15pm to 8pm at County Hall in Glenfield LE3 8RA.
As Foster Care Fortnight gets underway until 26th May, a Leicestershire carer has described his thoughts and experiences in seeing children in his care ‘turn their lives around’.
During the next two weeks, the county council is making a renewed appeal for Leicestershire residents interested in helping vulnerable children and young people by stepping forward and becoming foster parents.
Tony has been fostering since 1995, beginning his fostering journey as a respite carer – a type of carer offering respite to families with a child / young person with special needs.
The south Leicestershire resident continued to offer respite care and it naturally progressed to the long-term fostering of teenagers. Tony, and his partner, Gary, have fostered boys and girls, ages from one to 16 and from different faith, cultures and sexualities.
One of the best things about fostering is watching a child grow into a young person in their own right and helping them on the right track. We’ve watched troubled teenagers turn their life around, and, to this day, they visit on a regular basis, making us very proud. We really feel that, over the years, we have helped change many children’s futures for the better
Person:Foster carer, Tony
Foster Care Fortnight is an annual campaign by the Fostering Network with the message ‘Foster care transforms lives’. Its simple message this year is: #changeafuture.
Myth-busting is also a key part of the messaging for Foster Care Fortnight as many people have misconceptions of fostering if they, among other things, LGBT+, single, renting their home, or a pet owner.
People count themselves out for many reasons, but they could offer a loving home to children in Leicestershire who really need it. I would urge people to get in touch with our team to see if fostering could work for them. Our children in care need families from all communities – regardless of race, age or sexual orientation.”
Person:Ivan Ould, cabinet member for children and families
Foster Care Fortnight runs from 13th to 26th May.
Find out about fostering with Leicestershire County Council by visiting fosteringleicestershire.com
To find out more, call 0116 305 0505 or
e-mail fostering@leics.gov.uk