New foster carers needed in Poole

The fostering team at Borough of Poole are working with local residents, who may be in full or part-time employment, to provide long and short-term foster placements for children ranging in age from babies and toddlers up to teenagers.

Over 90 foster carers, including couples, same sex couples and single people, are already fostering in the area, but more are needed as some people who have already signed up have gone on to retire or move out of the area.

Cllr Mike White, cabinet portfolio holder for children and families at Borough of Poole, said: "There is a constant need for foster carers in the area and while we have a large group of existing and committed foster carers, we need more people to come forward to ensure we can cater for the demand.

"Fostering is a vital service not just for the Borough but more importantly for the children, who need carers to provide vital support and care at what is a critical time in their young lives."

He went on to say that children placed with foster carers may require short or long term care and every child is different in their demands and needs.

Kevin Jones, head of children and young people’s social care at Borough of Poole, said: “There are many misconceptions out there about fostering, but what we are looking for is people who want to make a difference to a child or young person in need.

"We need a broad range of foster carers to ensure we have the right placement for each and every child."

Kevin went on to say that a broad range of support and advice is available from the beginning of the application process.

Alex and Louise Wilson from Poole have been foster carers for over seven years. Alex said: "We had discussed fostering for some time and already had our own children but really wanted to provide other children, whose own families were not able to care for them, with the chance of a safe, happy and loving home.”

For more information, visit Poole.gov.uk, email Fostering@poole.cov.uk or call 01202 714711.