20 Sep 2012
In a bid to recruit more foster carers Stockport Council is supporting a new initiative looking to attract more mature people to become foster carers.

At this time of year many parents face the emotional prospect of their children leaving for university or getting jobs away from home.

The Council is backing the latest phase of the ‘You Can Foster’ initiative calling on these ‘empty-nesters’ to join an emerging trend by becoming one of the increasing number of more mature foster carers.

The majority of Stockport’s foster carers are aged between 40 and 60. The initiative recognises the invaluable parenting skills more mature people have acquired in bringing up their own children and the potential lifeline that they could offer to children in care.

Councillor Kevin Dowling, Stockport Council’s Executive Member for Children and Young People, said: “The Council is always looking at new and innovative ways to recruit more much needed foster carers and we are delighted to be supporting this latest phase of the regional ‘You Can Foster’ initiative.

“I would encourage anybody who is considering becoming a foster carer to contact Stockport Council’s Foster team for more information about how to become a foster carer.”   

People interested in becoming a foster carer or getting more information about what being a foster carer involves should contact the Council’s Fostering team on 0161 947 4646 or visit www.stockport.gov.uk/fostering