A recruitment campaign to encourage people to recognise in themselves the qualities needed to be a successful foster carer is being launched across the UK this May.
With the strapline fostering: recognise the qualities you’ve got, this year’s Foster Care Fortnight begins on Monday 12 May. The campaign aims to raise the profile of fostering and to encourage more people to become foster carers.
The campaign will encourage people to recognise that they may already share the same qualities as those currently fostering, and that these are the basis for becoming a foster carer. The qualities include strong listening and observational skills, a good sense of humour, optimism and resilience.
Foster carer Johannah Muckley said:
"Every day I’m listening to, observing and guiding the children in my care, and I wouldn’t get anywhere as a foster carer if I couldn’t see the funny side of life.
"But when I decided to become a foster carer, I didn’t realise that it was these everyday qualities that would make me a good candidate to look after other people’s children. The training I’ve had since then has helped me to develop these qualities and skills so that I can provide these children with the care that they need.
"I hope that this campaign allows many other people to realise that they too have the basic qualities needed to become great foster carers."
Campaign co-ordinator Helen Clarke said:
"While almost anyone can apply to be a foster carer, like with any career, some people will be more suited to it than others. This recruitment campaign identifies the qualities needed to be a foster carer, and encourages people to recognise these in themselves.
The annual campaign is co-ordinated by leading fostering charity the Fostering Network. During the fortnight fostering services all over the UK will be holding imaginative, innovative and fun events aimed at raising awareness of fostering.
People wanting more information about becoming a foster carer should contact their local fostering service, or call Fosterline on 0800 040 7675, email Infoline at info@fostering.net, or visit www.couldyoufoster.org.uk
The press pack is now available on the Could You Foster website
