News

Could you be a foster carer?

By Jennifer Maxfield
January 03, 2013

RESIDENTS in Aldershot are being called upon by a Hampshire agency to sign up to look after foster children.

The ‘Can You Foster?’ campaign has been set up to try to recruit more foster carers in Aldershot while trying to raise awareness of a rewarding career.

Foster Care Associates (FCA) South is trying to alleviate the shortage of foster carers in the area with this campaign and to help youngsters find happiness in a stable home.

Mandy Sands, marketing manager for FCA South, believes that people have different motivations for becoming carers, such as the fact that they might have grown up in care themselves and may have the desire to give something back to society.

She explained that while each child was different, there was a need for a range of foster families within Aldershot with “different experiences and strengths” so it could provide the best care for vulnerable youngsters.

“Fostering can be challenging, but FCA foster carers say that they have never looked back on their decision to foster,” she added.

“They find it hugely rewarding, and for many, see it as the job they were meant to do.”

Sarah Dimmelow, area manager for FCA South, said the shortage of foster carers in the UK currently stands at 8,750.

She said: “Foster carers come from all walks of life and at FCA we value commitment, resilience and transferable skills. We’ll provide you with in-depth training and we’ll support you 24 hours a day.

“All we ask is that you are over 21, have a spare bedroom suitable for a young person and the determination to help make a positive and lasting difference for vulnerable young people.”

FCA South is recruiting foster carers for children aged up to 18 years old and welcomes single carers, married, cohabiting and same-sex couples from all ethnicities and religious backgrounds. Call 0800 023 4561 or visit www.iwanttofoster.com.

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