Norfolk Fostering Service needs more foster careers

This number accounts for 70pc of children in the care system - a statistic that is not dissimilar in Norfolk. 

As a result, thousands more new foster families are needed. 

Now, bosses from Norfolk County Council’s fostering service are calling on anyone and everyone who has ever contemplated becoming a foster career to come forward. 

The shout out comes following the service’s support of Foster Care Fortnight, the industry’s biggest awareness campaign. 

The annual event, first launched by charity The Fostering Network, has been urging people to sign up to fostering since 1997. 

Running from Monday, May 15 to Sunday, May 28, this year’s theme is all around "fostering communities" which has been carried over from last year due to its popularity. 

Laura Gavrila, head of Norfolk Fostering Service, said: “Children and young people flourish in supportive, nurturing, and stable homes and foster carers can help make that happen for those who have had a difficult start. 

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“There are a lot of myths around fostering. All different kinds of people can become foster carers and they use their different backgrounds, life skills, and experience to support the children and young people they care for. 

“With over a thousand children needing care in Norfolk, and a national shortage, we always need more people to take on this unique privilege and rewarding role. 

“With this year’s theme of fostering communities, we are really focused on creating a community for all our careers – an eco-chamber and links to support anyone who wants to join.” 

• If you think you have the patience, understanding, and skills to become a foster carer, contact the team on 01603 306649 or visit www.norfolk.gov.uk and search for 'fostering'.