MP lends support to “Foster Care Fortnight”

MP Helen Jones has lent her support to the call for people in Warrington to come forward and make a connection with fostering during “Foster Care Fortnight.”
The Warrington North MP says this year alone, 8,370 new foster carers are needed across the UK to ensure the rising number of children coming into care can have the best chance of finding a loving foster family who can not only meet their needs, but help them build a positive future.
More than 63,000 children live with almost 55,000 foster families across the country every day.
There is a particular need for foster carers to look after teenagers, disabled children and sibling groups, with the need for more foster carers meaning that children may end up far from home, be split up from brothers and sisters or lose touch with family and friends.
There are very few barriers to fostering. Warrington’s fostering service will provide people with all the training and support needed.
All children are unique,  so there is a need for a diverse foster carer population to provide the best home to help each individual child flourish and fulfil their potential.
Ms Jones (pictured) said: “ I am pleased to support Foster Care Fortnight.  I know a number of foster carers who are making a very real difference to the lives of so many young people.  However, as each year passes, we see more and more children coming into care, and so we need more people to open their heart, and their homes, to children and young people who need support at a critical point in their young lives.
“ A good foster carer will believe in the ambition of the children in their care in the same way they’d believe in the ambition of their own family members. A childhood is too short to waste, and foster carers can help those who haven’t had the best start begin to enjoy their life and grow into the adults that they want to be.
“ I would encourage anyone who believes they have the skills and qualities needed to be a foster carer to find out more by visiting fostering.net
Jackie Sanders, director of The Fostering Network said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Helen Jones is supporting this year’s Foster Care Fortnight.
“It shows that they recognise the need to make sure that the children and young people of Warrington North who most need support, love and care have it.”