Fostering North East notched up 16 separate enquiries from potential foster carers at an awareness event held in Washington during national Fostering Fortnight.
The event, which took place in The Galleries, followed on from another successful event held in Hartlepool which resulted in nine potential foster carers signing up.
Fostering North East, part of St Cuthbert’s Care, is expanding its fostering reach as the need for secure and loving homes – especially for sibling groups and teenagers – is reaching an all-time high. According to Fostering Network figures in 2012 it is estimated that a further 8,750 foster carers will be needed in England alone, with 400 of these in the North East.
Liz Guest, Fostering North East Manager said: “We were delighted to have so much interest in fostering and would like to thank everyone, those who signed up and those who picked up our brochures, for taking the time to visit our event stand and find out more about us. Our team will be out and about in the region over the next few months with our next event taking place this September.”
Fostering North East is looking for those who wish to provide long-term placements, short-term placements and also short breaks. Foster carers who can devote their time and love to teenagers and sibling groups are particularly sought after. Anyone interested can check out the website at www.fosteringnortheast.org.uk or telephone 0191 228 0111.