Health Minister Michael McGimpsey today launched Foster Care Fortnight which aims to recruit more foster carers across Northern Ireland.
The event is part of the annual UK-wide awareness campaign, co-ordinated by the Fostering Network, to raise the profile of fostering and highlight the shortage of foster carers and the impact this has on children in care. The focus of this year’s campaign, ‘Do you have the qualities to foster,’ identifies the everyday qualities which form the foundations for becoming a good foster carer.
Minister Michael McGimpsey said: “Fostering is highly rewarding and worthwhile work that makes a significant difference to the lives of many children and young people, providing them with a stable and supported environment.
“Over the past two years the Department has invested £6million into foster care so that foster care allowances could be increased and dedicated foster carer recruitment and assessment teams created.
“As part of our £10million development funding for children’s services over the next three years, £1.2million is also earmarked to increase the number of fee paid foster carers by 100.”
The Minister also outlined a number of continuing development initiatives which he said would help attract more foster carers. “Earlier this year the Regional Fostering and Training Co-ordination Service was launched with a new Regional Fostering Helpline to assist with the recruitment and training of foster carers as well as providing extra support. The Fostering Achievement Scheme which aids foster carers and their children to purchase computers, tutoring and education materials is another ongoing Department initiative to assist foster carers.
“Continuing development of initiatives like these and the closer co-operation of all agencies involved in fostering will help in attracting more people to be foster carers,” he added.
A recent audit by Fostering Network Northern Ireland revealed that at March 2007 there were 192 children and young people waiting for a foster family, the majority of whom were in the 11-15 age group.
Minister McGimpsey said: “The number of foster carers is increasing across Northern Ireland but there is still a pressing need for foster carers who would be willing to look after children.”
The minister also paid tribute to all foster carers for the invaluable service provided to some of the most vulnerable children and young people in our society. He said: “The time, patience, tolerance and energy that you put in sharing your home and life in providing foster care is to be applauded.”
