There are calls for more local foster carers in Kirklees
Kirklees council are aiming to place more local children with local people
There are calls for more people in Kirklees to become foster carers for local children.
Currently, there are 500 children in the foster system in Kirklees.
180 have been placed under agency care, because there isn't enough capacity in the area.
This means they can be moved out of their own school and away from friends and family.
Lucy Kirby from Kirklees council said:
"For a child, at a really difficult time in their life, they can be moved out of their own school, away from friends and family, and they can be moved quite far away.
"So having local foster parents for a local child means we can keep them where possible and where safe, in their local area.
"Children in care can struggle with attachment and trust; in their own school they might have a teacher they trust, and they can relate too, and by moving them away from that on top of everything else, can have a really detrimental affect on their development."
Colleen Kenworthy has been a foster carer in Kirklees for 15 years, she said it's very rewarding:
"Just to see them grow, go to university, or college, or passing their driving test, starting a family of their own, and you've given them that start in life.
"You're like the favourite aunt, you know that one that's always there and encouraging you, she's not having a go at you, she's encouraging you that come on you can do that, I know you can.
"I think that's what being a foster carer is about, not just while they're with you, but afterwards, they're family and always will be."
Who can become a foster carer?
Martin Leitch, head of fostering operations at Five Rivers Child Care, which operates in Kirklees, said:
“Children being taken into care is a sensitive and complex issue and something that people, generally, don’t want to think about. Research has revealed that there has been a dramatic increase in referrals to social services since the start of the pandemic, and we are certain that it will continue to rise as it has done over the last several years.
"Foster carers can work flexibly as respite or short-term foster carers, or they can have foster children and young people living with them long-term"
“We are in desperate need of more foster families in Kirklees to care for children either on a temporary or permanent basis. If you’re a kind, compassionate person interested in fostering, do something different this year and get in touch to find out more. Fostering comes in many forms and can be tailored towards the needs and lifestyle of foster parent, or parents, and those in their care.
"Foster carers can work flexibly as respite or short-term foster carers, or they can have foster children and young people living with them long-term, meaning they would remain in care until they feel ready to live independently.”
"People from all walks of life can be considered to become foster carers as long as they are over 21 years of age and have the key qualities needed to look after children in care.
"This includes single people, co-habiting couples, same sex couples and people living in rented accommodation."