30 local children need foster parents

He was speaking at the launch of a new web resource dedicated to the newly relaunched regional adoption service.

Over 40 Western Trust foster carers, kinship carers and adopters and staff came together to see the new regional adoption and fostering website showcased at the relaunch of the Regional Adoption and Fostering Service across Tyrone, Londonderry and Fermanagh.

Mr Armstrong said: “It is amazing what a life-changing moment it is for you and a child when you choose to open your heart to a young person in need of a home!

“There are approximately 30 children in the Western Trust area in need of foster care, from toddlers to teenagers. Some children need a short term arrangement whilst other children require a long term or permanent foster carer.”

He continued: “For those children who cannot return home, adoption provides them with a permanent family to call their own. Foster and adoptive parents are a valuable resource for children, their families and the entire community.

“If you think you would like to find out more please come along to the information session in your area during October.”

The Western Trust is asking the public to come along and find out more at a series of information events during October.

Dympna Brogan, Recruitment Team Manager, Western Trust said: “Members of the public are invited to come and meet our staff at information evenings which are being hosted across the Western Trust area.

“If you are thinking about Fostering? Or have you ever had questions about fostering and have not known where to get more information? Come along and find out more. Everyone is welcome!”

The sessions will take place between 7.30pm and 9pm on Tuesday, on October 9, 2012, Dry Arch Centre, Limavady; on Tuesday, October 16, 2012, Da Vincis Hotel, Londonderry; on Thursday, October 18, 2012, South West College (Enniskillen Campus); on Monday, October 22, 2012, South West College( Omagh Campus); and on Tuesday, October 23, 2012, at the Fir Trees Hotel, Strabane.

There is always a need for more foster carers and adoptive families in Northern Ireland. Don’t rule yourself out before finding out more. Contact Dympna Brogan, Recruitment Team Manager, Western Trust on 028 71314244 or 028 82835264.