More people considering becoming foster parents in Stoke-on-Trent following campaign
STOKE-ON-TRENT is witnessing a major rise in the number of people who are keen to take in vulnerable children as foster carers.
The city council has reported a 38 per cent increase in carers asking for advice on fostering following a new advertising campaign.
-
FOSTER PARENTS: Bob and Sue with James.
In just four months, there have been 112 inquiries, compared to 81 for the same period the previous year.
And would-be foster carers across the city are set to receive further support after the council agreed to provide more facilities to help them.
8kg 1400 spin A+++ rated washer
with a full 6 year warranty - yes SIX years
delivered FAST & FREE
was OVER £600 - For a limited time ONLY £449.90
Amazing value!!!
Terms:
8kg 1400 spin A+++ rated washer
with a full 6 year warranty - yes SIX years
delivered FAST & FREE
was OVER £600 - For a limited time ONLY £449.90
Amazing value!!!
Contact: 01782 342609
Valid until: Saturday, June 01 2013
Stoke-on-Trent City Council has signed a 'foster carers charter' following the number of temporary parents in the Potteries soared.
The agreement – which was agreed this week – pledges to provide a network of support for the hundreds of current foster carers.
Councillor Alan Dutton, below, who signed the document, said: "All our children need is a secure and safe environment and a loving family.
"I would like to thank the foster parents for their efforts on behalf of the council."
The council campaign launched earlier this year aims to encourage fostering and help to keep children within the Potteries.
Advertisements promote the slogan: 'Keeping children in the city…where they belong.'
Angela Doyle was inspired to become a foster parent after being taken to a children's home when she was 10 and later suffering the heartbreak of losing a child.
The 46-year-old's daughter Lisa, an epilepsy sufferer, died aged 15. Angela, who lives in Stoke-on-Trent with husband Chris, started fostering 12 years ago. The couple adopted three children this year.
Angela said: "Being in a children's home inspired me.
"It was a tough time as the age range was so vast and because there were different staff – you never had a bond with anyone."
Chris, aged 51, a care worker, added: "I love the experience of fostering. It's quite scary when you first start but now I wouldn't want to do anything else."
Despite having four children of their own Dave and Zoe Durber-Worrall, of Ball Green, started fostering in 2008.
Zoe, aged 37, said: "It is a good experience for our children."
Dave added: "I don't think you would be human if you weren't upset when you have to say goodbye but it is a good feeling knowing the child is ready to move on."
Comments
by strandedhere
Saturday, December 08 2012, 11:20AM
“One of the categories for which Stoke council would remove children was "a concern that at some future date Mr. and Mrs. x might show a lack of deference to council officer z/social services".
I suspect that the council would be wary of getting involved in protecting truly 'vulnerable' children,if evidence of other Labour-run councils areound the country is anything to go by.”