Civic support for Foster Care Fortnight

A foster carer for more than two decades, Cllr Adger shared her personal story at the latest full meeting of council.

She put forward a Notice of Motion on the issue which was unanimously supported by Elected Members of Mid and East Antrim Council which is currently supporting Foster Care Fortnight - May 10-23 - the Fostering Network’s annual campaign to raise awareness of the transformational power of fostering and to celebrate the fostering community.

It aims to help and encourage the wider society to understand and value fostering and the positive difference it can make to young people’s lives.

Speaking after the Council meeting, Cllr Adger said: “Foster carers in Northern Ireland do an incredible job ensuring children are nurtured, loved and protected.

“As a foster carer myself for over 22 years and having fostered 47 children during this time, I can hand on my heart say it is the most rewarding job.

“From newborn to 14 years of age, the children that entered our home gave us so much love and it really was a pleasure to provide each child with a loving and safe environment during their time of need.

“We hope that the increased awareness of Foster Care Fortnight will build support for fostering, challenge stigma surrounding children in foster care and encourage more people to come forward to foster. There is a good support network out there for foster carers to avail of, so you are not alone in this role.”

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor, Peter Johnston said: “Thousands of new foster families are needed every year to care for children, with the greatest need being for older children, sibling groups and children with additional needs.

“Currently, around 2,780 children and young people are living in foster care and with less people coming forward to offer homes, there has never been a greater need for foster carers. You really could make a difference to the lives of vulnerable children and young people.”

For more information on Adoption or Foster Care please contact HSC Northern Ireland Adoption and Foster Care on T: 0800 0720 137 or visit W: www.adoptionandfostercare.hscn.net