Foster Care Fortnight 2024 kicks off with #FosteringMoments

Established in 1997 and delivered by leading fostering charity The Fostering Network, the campaign showcases the commitment, passion and dedication of foster carers.

It also supports fostering services to highlight the need for more foster carers.

Thousands of new foster families are needed every year to care for children, with the greatest need being for foster carers for older children, sibling groups, disabled children and unaccompanied asylum seeking children.

The theme this year is #FosteringMoments. Over the next 2 weeks we will be asking members of our fostering community to share the moments, however big or small, that define people’s fostering journeys — with the aim of encouraging anyone thinking about fostering to come forward and find out more at an upcoming information event.

Deane Deakin, a foster carer who looks after children on a short-term basis with Birmingham Children’s Trust said her #FosteringMoments are: “Staying in touch and meeting up with children and their forever families” after they have moved on.

There are several events running during Foster Care Fortnight which include information about the practical requirements needed to become a foster carer, the support you can expect from Birmingham Children’s Trust, and the process to become a foster carer. There will also be an experienced foster carer available who will share their experiences of fostering and answer any questions participants may have.

All information events begin at 6pm and can be booked online via www.fosterbirmingham.co.uk/fostering-events:

• Tuesday 14 May at The Shires, 216 Wake Green Road, Moseley, B13 9PQ
• Thursday 16 May at Harvest Fields Centre, Sutton Coldfield, B75 5TJ
• Thursday 23 May online via Microsoft Teams