With around 20 Lancashire children needing homes each week, Lancashire County Council is asking people to consider becoming a foster carer.

Foster Care Fortnight starts on Monday 16 May and the council is recruiting new foster carers to support the growing number of children coming into care.

Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, cabinet member for children, young people and schools, said:

"Homes are particularly needed for teenagers and groups of siblings to give them the love and support they deserve while they can't live with their families. We have an excellent package of support to help foster carers in their role, including local support groups, flexible training, a dedicated social worker and out of hours support.

"There are a number of events throughout the county over the coming weeks where you can come along, speak to current foster carers and our fostering team and find out more about what's involved.

"Our foster carers come from all walks of life, and all kinds of backgrounds, and I'd encourage anyone who has thought about it to get in touch to find out more."

Anyone interested in finding out more about fostering is encouraged to contact the county council's friendly team on 0300 123 6723 or visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/fostering

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Case Study

Joanna and Stuart McIvor decided to foster with the county council three years ago as they missed having children around the house since their own had now grown up. With a spare bedroom and five grandchildren for instant company, they wanted to help Lancashire's foster children.

Joanna, aged 54, said:

"Fostering has opened up a whole new set of doors in our lives, we had no idea there was so many children needing foster homes, and I feel that every child that has entered our home has become family, each child is so different and we embrace their individuality.

"Our family is expanding all the time with new personalities and interests. I also like meeting new people and meeting other foster carers and sharing experiences and advice that is truly invaluable.

"At the moment we are caring for siblings, both with challenging behaviours and medical issues. Emily* is a happy loving little girl full of energy, yet there is so much to be aware of with her health condition, which we had researched prior to her coming to live with us to be prepared.

"Kyle* is very protective and wants to be in charge of his sister, he can be aggressive towards Emily and gets jealous when she plays with other children.

"Both children don’t feel pain the same as you would expect a child of their age to do, so they can get very physical at times, and they would not come to me when they had hurt themselves. With the encouragement from my grandchildren, they have learnt to ask for help.

"It can be very overwhelming taking on a child that has extra needs, but don’t be afraid to ask questions, the fostering team are very helpful indeed and will support you in all aspects.

"Already the children have settled very well and are now part of the family and good friends with my grandchildren.

"At first we thought we were too old to foster in our fifties, but this wasn’t the case, it’s what you can offer a child. Our main concern was, what if we fail? Well three years on and we feel we are making a difference with children that need our help."