OLDHAM COUNCIL is asking residents to make a new year’s resolution that will change a teenager’s life – become a foster carer.
It is estimated there is a short fall of between 1,700 and 2,000 foster carers in the North West and the local authority is urging residents to do their bit to help.
Councillor Jenny Harrison, Cabinet Member for Social Care and Public Health, said: “Many people think it is just babies and young children who need foster families, but our greatest need is to find carers for our teenagers.
“Teenagers need our help, support and guidance as much, if not more than, our younger children.
“Many of our young people have had a difficult start in life and just want to be given a chance to live in a stable family like their friends at school.
“Fostering a teenager, like all children, can be challenging, but fostering not only makes a huge difference to a young person, it’s also incredibly rewarding for carers.
“If you are thinking of fostering, why not make it your New Year’s resolution to find out more?”
Carers will receive extensive support, including their own highly trained social worker, a 24/7 emergency line, full, comprehensive training and a generous financial package up to £29,000 per annum.
Oldham Council Fostering Service currently has 148 fostering families, providing placements for approximately 230 children
For an informal chat, call Oldham Council’s fostering team on 0161 770 6600 or go to www.oldham.gov.uk/fostering
