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Potential foster carers in Walsall who would like to find out more are being invited to hop on board the council's First Stop Express in May (2010).

 

Walsall's Fostering and Adoption Service will be hitting the road next week to promote Foster Care Fortnight and the need for more foster carers in the borough.

 

This year's campaign, under the strapline 'Do you have the skills to Foster?' will encourage people to consider a career in fostering and focus on the personal and professional skills that a modern foster carer needs.

 

According to Fostering Network, the UK-wide charity which is coordinating this year's campaign, there is a shortage of at least 10,000 foster carers and more are needed to provide children with safe and caring homes while they are unable to live with their own families.

 

Mary Banks, interim team manager for Fostering and Adoption Services in Walsall said: "Foster carers have a vital role to play in giving children in care the best possible chance in life. But the shortage of foster carers means that far too many children live a long way from home, family and school often apart from brothers and sisters.

 

"Foster Care Fortnight is the ideal time for people to find out more about fostering and the skills and qualities needed to be a modern foster carer."

 

Anyone interested is invited to hop on board the customer service bus and meet Walsall's Family Placement team on Wednesday 19 May 2010 between 10.30am and 1pm at Morrisons supermarket in Willenhall and from 2pm to 4.30pm at Sainsbury's in Reedswood.

 

The team will then be available on Tuesday 25 May 2010 from 9.30am to 12.30pm at Asda in Bloxwich and between 1.30pm and 4pm in Darlaston High Street.

 

Foster carers can provide temporary and permanent placements as well as short term breaks for disabled children.

 

Anyone who would like to find out about fostering in Walsall can call the Walsall Family Placements Fostering Team on 0800 923 3706 or visit www.walsall.gov.uk/fostercare.

 

Walsall's First Stop Express visits supermarkets, high streets, libraries and other community venues promoting council services across the borough every week.