A national recruitment campaign to encourage more people to consider whether they have the qualities needed to foster is being launched by the Fostering Network on Monday 12 May in London, to coincide with the start of Foster Care Fortnight (12–25 May).
With the strapline fostering: recognise the qualities you’ve got, the campaign highlights the qualities needed to become a foster carer. The aim is to encourage people to realise that they may already share the same qualities as those currently fostering, and that these are the basis for becoming a great foster carer. Key qualities include strong listening and observational skills, a good sense of humour, optimism and resilience.
The campaign, which was developed by advertising company My Agency and funded by the Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC), is supported by a range of promotional materials which dramatise these strong personal qualities, using the medium of photo warping. The campaign images will be revealed at the launch event.
New figures on the number of foster carers needed in England over the next year will also be released at the event.
Campaign co-ordinator Helen Clarke said: "While almost anyone can apply to be a foster carer, like with any job, some people will be more suited to it than others. Guests at the campaign launch will have the opportunity to find out whether they have the crucial qualities needed for a career in fostering."
To find out more about fostering and becoming a foster carer visit www.couldyoufoster.org.uk.