PAUL KEETCH MP CALLS ON HEREFORD RESIDENTS TO CONSIDER A CAREER IN FOSTERING

12.15.45pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 9th Apr 2009

Paul Keetch MP will be giving his support to this year's Foster Care Fortnight by calling on the residents of Hereford to consider a career in fostering.

There is currently a shortage of 650 foster carers in the west midlands and more foster carers are needed to provide children with safe and caring homes while they are unable to live with their own families.

A diverse range of people with the right skills and qualities to foster are required to meet the needs of children in care. Currently there are approximately 120 children in foster care in Herefordshire.

The call for new foster carers is part of Foster Care Fortnight, the Fostering Network's annual campaign to recruit more foster carers, which takes place from 11-24 May 2009.

The campaign, under the strapline fostering: a career that changes lives, will encourage people to consider a career in fostering and ask them to look at the skills and qualities they have which could make them a great foster carer.

Paul Keetch said: "there are many children and young people out their in need of a safe, secure and nurturing family environment, either short or long-term. While almost anyone can apply, some foster carers may need special qualities and some people will be more suited to it than others, although having the time and energy to invest in a child or young person is essential, and a sense of humour is a necessity!"

Robert Tapsfield, chief executive at the Fostering Network, said: "Foster care has changed dramatically over the last 30 years. Today fostering is a career, uniquely combining family life with a skilled profession.

"Being a foster carer can be one of the most rewarding jobs and we are encouraging people to come forward and use their skills and qualities to make a real difference to the lives of some of society's most vulnerable children."