DEDICATED carers gathered to celebrate another year of looking after some of North Yorkshire’s most vulnerable young people.

More than 130 of Fostering North Yorkshire’s carers attended FNY’s annual conference when they had the chance to share experiences, offer tips and enjoy each other’s company.

There were also seminars and group discussions before a presentation of long service awards to mark their valued work to providing safe and secure homes for looked-after children.

At any one time, FNY looks after up to 340 children across the county in need of foster care. Many of these are teenagers who can’t stay with their birth families for a number of reasons. They all share the need of a caring family to keep them safe, secure and happy – offering everything from a short break to a permanent home.

County Cllr Janet Sanderson, executive member for children’s services, said FNYwas committed to ensuring the young people it looks after can stay in their local communities.

She said foster carers came from many backgrounds, but shared a common desire to make a difference to the lives of those they foster, and help them through a difficult time.

“They are highly respected by FNY in return and valued for their contribution.

“They are given the best training available; knowledgeable support from a dedicated fostering social worker; access to professional experts in education, mental and physical health; and specialist services for autism and speech and language where necessary.

“Being a foster carer is an incredibly important job, helping to develop positive experiences and skills that have sometimes been missed out on earlier in life. Fostering also brings with it a generous tax-free allowance for each child and, while this is not the main motivation for most foster carers, it is a consideration as additional income streams can be very welcome.”

For details, contact FNY on 01609 534654 or fostering@northyorks.gov.uk.