FIFTY new foster families are needed to look after vulnerable children in North Yorkshire this year.

To cope with demand, a campaign is being launched to encourage people who have been thinking about fostering to come forward and provide a home to a young person in need.

About 340 children are looked after by North Yorkshire foster carers every year and to meet that need, another 50 new fostering families are needed in 2016. This includes full-time carers and those who can offer short breaks, particularly for disabled children with additional or complex needs.

'Take time to foster, time to care' is the theme of the campaign from Fostering North Yorkshire which annually supports Foster Care Fortnight, a national event which this year starts on Monday May 16 to raise awareness of the need for more carers.

Fostering North Yorkshire, which is part of North Yorkshire County Council, has a strong record of placing children and young people in care with foster families, but there is always a need for more people, especially those those willing to care for vulnerable teenagers or to offer a short-term placement to a disabled child.

County Councillor Janet Sanderson, executive member for children’s services, said foster carers come from a wide range of backgrounds and family make-up, but all share a desire to provide a secure and welcoming home for vulnerable children.

“People often think they can’t foster because they are single, work, or are too old, but none of these things matter. We’re looking for people who have space in their home – and their heart – for a young person and can offer them a positive and loving home environment. By becoming a foster carer, people have the opportunity to change a young person’s life for good.”

Farmers Trudy and David Sanderson foster at their farm near Helmsley. Trudy said: “There are going to be tough times and challenges when you’re fostering, but the rewards are great – you really can make a difference and change a child’s life!”

David Stubbs, a single carer who has been fostering for around six years, said: “My social worker is very supportive, and the network of other foster carers is great. I really appreciate the opportunity to talk through issues with them as I don’t have a partner to talk things over with.

“My message to anyone thinking of fostering is – if I can do it, you can. And if kids are struggling through life, if you can give them a leg up – what better thing is there to do?

“I’ve never regretted doing it for a minute, although there have been some difficult times. But when I can see they are in a good place – happy and smiling and full of laughter… well, knowing you are making a difference is just priceless.”

For more information visit www.northyorks.gov.uk/fostering or call Fostering North Yorkshire on 01609 534654.