Wirral families urged to become foster carers - and change a child's life

Now the council is urging others to come forward 

Wirral has more than 700 children and young people in care with the local authority, 569 are currently placed at foster homes.

Councillor Tony Smith, cabinet member for children and family services, said: “We know that the majority of children who are looked after benefit from living with supportive foster carers who really help children thrive to the best they can be.

“We particularly need more foster carers for older young people and for family groups.

“You are joining a strong team of carers and staff in Wirral who will support you in caring for children placed with you.

“If you think this is something you might like to do, I will really urge you to find out more.”

The "You Can Foster" campaign was launched in September last year and is aimed at replacing foster carers leaving due to retirement and natural turnover, combined with an increase in numbers of looked after children.

Kelly Wylde and her partner have been fostering in Wirral for the last six years.

The couple, who have three teenagers of their own, are short term foster parents for children who come into care and need a short-term solution to domestic or parental issues.

Kelly said: “My mum and dad were foster carers from when I was about 17 years old.

“The young people who stayed with us would confide in me, and I knew then that fostering was what I wanted to do in the future.

“My own children have they told me they would like to foster too when they’re older.

“My foster children are classed to me as my own children. We have meals together and days out, and we enjoy visiting our caravan in Wales.

“To me, I see it as fostering as a whole family – not just myself and my partner.

“I know first-hand how rewarding it is to be someone who makes that difference to a child’s life, and it’s so worthwhile to help them get through their experiences.”

For more information on fostering, visit  http://youcanfoster.org/