Urgent appeal for new Peterborough foster carers

The number of people enquiring about becoming foster carers has dipped, with the immediate need being for teenagers, children with additional needs and sibling groups.

Both Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council are launching a ‘Call for Action’ urging people who can help to change the lives of children and young people to become foster carers and provide loving, supportive homes as demand for the service increases.

Councillor Lynne Ayres, Peterborough City Council cabinet member for children’s services, said: “Fostering transforms the lives of children by providing safe and stable environments for them to thrive and we have a dedicated recruitment team which will progress your enquiry by phone or video call during the self-isolation period.”

Councillor Simon Bywater, Cambridgeshire County Council Chairman of the Children and Young People Committee, said: “While many of us have family and friends who are there to support us in these difficult times, there are many children and young people across the county who are in need of that support more than ever.”

During COVID-19, we are taking all the necessary steps during the fostering process to follow the government advice, for example, we can conduct initial visits virtually and have made arrangements to do so. If your application progresses then we will discuss the next stages with you which will include a face to face visit as part of the assessment process, this will adhere to the social distancing rules at all times.

People who believe they can make a positive difference to a child’s life are encouraged to contact both council’s today. All carers receive training, 24 hour access to support, along with allowances. As a foster carer you need to have the time, patience and determination to support and help vulnerable children and young people who are living away from their families. You will need to be over 21 and have a spare bedroom in your home.

Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council encourage you to find out more about fostering, visit: www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/fostering email [email protected] or call 0800 052 0078

Visit www.peterborough.gov.uk/fostering email [email protected] or call 0800 328 8433.