Western Trust in urgent need of foster carers

by Gráinne Connolly

The Western Trust is urgently looking for people who want to make a difference to the lives of children and young people by becoming foster carers. 

Around 600 children and young people are currently in the care of the Western Trust and this figure continues to grow. 

More foster parents would allow more children to be placed with families where they can grow and learn. 

The Western Trust's Fostering and Recruitment Team will be holding information events across the Trust, where the fostering team will be available to answer any questions people may have. 
 

Karen Fox, a social worker with the Foster and Recruitment team says the Western Trust always has a need for foster carers and recruit 3 times a year to try and get the right match for a child. 

Ms Fox also said: 

"Foster carers would say that it does have it's challenges but at the same time most would say it's so rewarding. 

"Whenever you take a child into your care you see them thrive so quickly and even physically grow, the rewards can be immense.

"When you see a child going to bed and sleeping sound and feeling safe, there's great rewards for foster carers in that."

Karen is encouraging people who may be considering foster care to speak to someone within the Western Trust, they're always happy to hear from anyone interested: 

"Often people would say because they're single or maybe they're a single parent, for fostering they wouldn't be eligible.

"What we would say is that anyone can foster if they have the right environment. 

"We are appealing for you if you're single, married, have children, don't have children, in a same sex relationship, we would like to hear from you and don't rule yourself out."

Ms Fox is also hoping that people come along to the information events coming across the Trust area and have an informal chat with the team there and learn a bit more about the process or even see if fostering is for you. 

The information events will be held: 

• Monday 16th October, Fir Trees Hotel, Strabane at 7.30pm 
   
• Tuesday 17th October, Da Vinci's Hotel, Derry at 7.30pm. 
   
• Tuesday 17th October, Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen at 7.30pm 
   
• Thursday 19th October, Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh at 7.30pm

If you you have the time and space in your life to foster contact the Foster Recruitment and Assessment Team on 028 8283 5264/7131 4244. 

Alternatively you can call HSC Regional Adoption and Fostering Service on 0800 0720 137 or enquire online - http://www.adoptionandfostering.hscni.net/contact-us