PARENTS of children who have left home or gone to university are being encouraged to consider fostering.

Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) needs more potential foster parents to come forward to help tackle a shortage. It currently has 33 children from 24 families placed with independent fostering agencies because it doesn’t have in-house capacity.

The executive member for health and social care, councillor Geoff Burrows, said: “We need foster carers for children of all ages but especially for those aged 11 and over, sibling carers and carers who can offer long term placements. However, we are also looking for short-break carers for children with disabilities who can provide a regular break for families and supported lodgings carers who offer a placement for a young person aged 16 and over to support them in becoming independent.

“This is something we need address as soon as possible as, without foster carers, the whole family placement system would break down. In Monmouthshire, we are very fortunate in having so many dedicated foster carers who open their homes and their hearts to children year after year.

“The stability, love and support they provide can transform a child’s life. Our longer-serving foster carers have helped a generation of young people to grow into adults and lead happy and successful lives. However, we always need more carers to come forward.”

The council is also aiming to dispel many of the widely-held myths about foster caring, by showcasing the sheer diversity of potential foster carers in the area and how they can make a real difference to a child’s life.

Fostering is providing a home for children when they are unable to live with a family member and takes many forms, including short term and respite.

Children and young people are fostered for lots of different reasons. Often children are removed for their safety, having suffered abuse or neglect, witness to domestic abuse and drug and alcohol misuse. Sometimes their parents may just need support if they are unwell and not able to cope.

Councillor Burrows added, “Fostering is about more than providing a home it is about providing hope. With support from caring foster families, a young person can feel valued and will be able to face the future with hope and the confidence that comes from knowing someone cares.”

There are no restrictions on who can and can’t foster, however all applicants are subject to an advanced police check.

Foster carers are provided with financial assistance to help cover the costs of looking after a child. In-depth training is also provided.

To find out more, contact 01873 735945 or [email protected]