Campaign launched to find long-term foster carers for Teesside teens
There are more than 600 children age 11 and over who are looking for homes in the Tees Valley.
The five councils in the Tees Valley have joined forces in a bid to recruit more foster carers to look after the region's vulnerable teenagers.
Stockton, Middlesbrough, Darlington, Hartlepool and Redcar and Cleveland Councils are working together on the Tees Valley Fostering campaign, which aims to find more long-term carers for children who can't stay with their birth families.
There's a shortage of people coming forward to foster children over the age of 11, particularly teenagers.
There are currently more than 600 children in this age range who need to be looked after.
It's hoped that this campaign will encourage more people to come forward, ensuring children can be kept within the Tees Valley area.
One of the key things the campaign hopes to address is dispelling myths that handling a teenage foster child can be hard work.
Christine Trafford from Middlesbrough has been fostering children in the region for 17 years.
She says having a teen can be a very rewarding experience.
She said: "I think they like to be encouraged.
"Some of them will say 'I can't do that, I'm going to fail' and you've just got to tell them to do their best.
"A lot of them have come from backgrounds where they haven't been encouraged, they like it when they're encouraged.
"I've had quite a few teenagers and every one has been different.
"Some are no bother and some have had quite a lot of problems, but nothing you can't handle.
"When you get to the root of things a lot of it is things they've been through in their past, people have turned their back on them.
They just want to know that you're not going anywhere."
Sue Mansell, Safeguarding Assistant Team Manager with Middlesbrough Council and a spokesperson for Tees Valley Fostering, said: “Every single young person within the Tees Valley is important to us and we have a duty to do everything we can to find safe and secure foster placements for children who need to be looked after.
“The reality here in the Tees Valley is that there is always a high demand for suitable foster carers, yet not enough people are coming forward who can support our teenagers.
“We are looking for people from all age groups and backgrounds who have a spare bedroom and can offer a young person a loving, stable home, and make them feel a part of their family.
“There has never been a more important time to find out about becoming a foster carer and the support available to you from your Local Authority’s fostering service.
“Our foster carers play a vital role in helping to shape the lives of young people and ensuring they have every opportunity to have happy and successful futures.”
The Tees Valley Fostering team will be holding information stands at Morrisons supermarkets across the area:
Teesside Park -Thursday, January 28, 10am - 4pm
Hartlepool Marina - Thursday, Jan 28, Noon - 4pm
Middlesbrough Berwick Hills - Jan 28 and 29, 10am - 4pm
Redcar - Thursday, January 28, Noon - 4pm
Darlington Morton Park - Friday January 29
For more information about fostering or the information events, visit www.teesvalleyfostering.com,