Two sisters in care have drawn pictures of themselves to highlight Tameside Council’s search for foster parents
LIKE many little girls they love singing, dancing and music – with the pop group Little Mix being a particular favourite.
But unlike most little girls – the two sisters are in care and are looking for a loving foster home where they can stay together and be happy.
The sisters, aged nine and four, are among a number of children being highlighted by Tameside Council to help find suitable foster carers.
There are currently 482 children in care in Tameside. In most cases, the best place for them to feel safe and flourish is in loving and supportive family environments with foster carers.
The new anonymous “pen-picture” profiles, on the Council’s website fostering pages, aim to provide a snap-shot of the personalities, likes and dislikes and needs of some of the children in care who are currently waiting for long-term foster placements
Many of these are sibling groups, children with additional needs and teenagers – all whom can be harder to place than individual and younger children.
The profiles for the two sisters describe the nine year old – who drew a picture of herself with her sister to help the Council launch the pen-pictures webpage - as being a “chatty, sociable and polite” girl. She has always cared for her little sister at home but needs support so she can continue loving her sister without taking on the full caring responsibilities. She mixes well with her peers and is doing well at school. She enjoys reading, swimming, playing on her tablet, theatre shows and going to restaurants.
Her younger sisrer, who is almost five, is described as a happy and fun little girl but equally strong willed. She needs a lot of reassurance and cuddles. She is in reception at school and has adapted well, making lots of friends. She enjoys playing with her dolls and Shopkins figures and likes to spend her time drawing, colouring, helping around the house and dressing up. She has stated that for her birthday this year she wants to be Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz.
Tameside Council Executive member for Children and Families Cllr Peter Robinson said: “It’s hoped the pen-pictures will give potential foster carers an insight into the children currently in need of foster care and encourage them to get in touch to find out more.
“I know that considering a career in foster care can feel like a huge step but, as a former foster carer myself, I can certainly say that the rewards are worth it. Helping a child to thrive and reach their full potential really is just what attracted my wife Jill and me to fostering 35 years ago. You’ll receive excellent support every step of the way.”
Tameside Council foster carers receive excellent ongoing training and support as well as an attractive allowance. The fostering team want to hear from people of all ages and backgrounds who may be able to provide a stable and caring home.
To find out more call 0161 368 8865 or see http://www.tameside.gov.uk/fostering. You can also come along to the regular fostering drop-ins, which are held at the Denton Centre, Acre Street, Denton, on the first Tuesday of every month 12-3pm for an informal chat with the friendly foster care support team. The next one is Tuesday 4 April – you don’t have to book, just drop in anytime between 12-3pm.