Potential new foster carers discover opportunities in West Yorkshire

Foster care providers from across West Yorkshire got together this week to try to recruit more carers for children who are looked after by local authorities across the region.

Over 14 foster care providers joined Leeds City Council at the first direct arena on Monday (8 June) to offer specialist advice to those interested in become foster carers in the West Yorkshire area. Around 50 individuals, couples and families from across the region attended the information evening to find out what the different organisations offer and if fostering is for them.

The joint event was organised as part of Foster Care Fortnight (1^st to 14^th June) to help people from across the region discover more about fostering and the different options available to them.

There is a shortage of foster carers across West Yorkshire with all five local authorities and independent fostering agencies having few to no approved families to look after teenagers and/or those with more complex needs. There is also a particular shortage of foster carers for sibling groups and parent and child fostering.

The next information evening is on Thursday 25 June at 6pm to 7.45 pm at Shine Centre Harehills Road. For more information visit www.foster4leeds.co.uk or call the dedicated foster care recruitment line on: 0113 2477443 for more information.