Release Date:  08-May-2008

A recruitment campaign to encourage people to see themselves as potential foster carers will be launched by Bristol City Council on Monday 12th May, as part of foster care fortnight. The Bristol campaign “fostering: recognise the qualities you've got”, aims to encourage people to recognise that they may already share the same qualities as those already fostering.

Bristol urgently needs around 80 more foster carers, especially people who can look after teenagers, siblings and disabled children, or children who come from a black or minority ethnic background. To address the shortage new fee-paid carers' packages are available for people who are interested in caring for older children or children with complex educational or health needs.

Executive Member for Children and Young People, Cllr Derek Pickup said, "you don't have to be superhuman to become a foster carer.  Indeed, there are many myths about what kind of people foster which are addressed in this campaign.   Good foster carers are good listeners, have a sense of humour and are optimistic and resilient people - social status or living arrangements are not barriers to becoming a foster carer. We have an excellent support system in Bristol and I urge anyone thinking that fostering might be right for them to contact us.”

Jan Capel is a single carer and has been caring for three years. She lives in Brislington and specialises in fostering teenage girls. Jan, who has one teenage daughter, said, “I foster because its about making a difference. I know its corny but you are making a difference in young people's lives. Preparing children for independence is a challenge that I personally love. I love teaching them how to cook, and trying to guide them in the right direction morally and socially. Also there's so much support and things happening for young people in Bristol, you're never short of things to do. There's also plenty of support from the department, in terms of education and getting children to consider options for their future.”

Alice who is 19 years old, and is fostered in Bristol said: "Being fostered gives you the chance to concentrate on yourself, rather than worry about situations that may be out of your control. I've been with my foster carer since I was 14 years and she's fantastic. She's a terrific support to me, and I see her as a friend. I'm sure there are lots of other young people in the same situation as me, who will benefit from the stability that fostering provides.”

The council offers excellent fostering packages for those interested in becoming a foster carer and has recently launched a buddy scheme, where new carers are supported by existing carers.

Author:  Julia Walton

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