Public meetings amid urgent call for more local foster parents

Public meetings will be held in Derry and Strabane next week after an urgent call out for those in the North West thinking of becoming foster parents to come forward.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th May 2016, 15:43 BST
Updated 13th May 2016, 16:46 BST
Launching Fostering Fortnight are staff from the Western Trust's Fostering Recruitment and Assessment Team (Derry and Limavady area) from left to right: Dympna Brogan, Social Work Manager; Alana Kelly, Social Worker and Angela Olphert, Social Worker.Launching Fostering Fortnight are staff from the Western Trust's Fostering Recruitment and Assessment Team (Derry and Limavady area) from left to right: Dympna Brogan, Social Work Manager; Alana Kelly, Social Worker and Angela Olphert, Social Worker.
Launching Fostering Fortnight are staff from the Western Trust's Fostering Recruitment and Assessment Team (Derry and Limavady area) from left to right: Dympna Brogan, Social Work Manager; Alana Kelly, Social Worker and Angela Olphert, Social Worker.

The Western Health and Social Care Trust is appealing for new foster carers to come forward as the number of children who require permanent placements with families in foster care continues to grow.

Health chiefs were speaking during the launch of Fostering Fortnight from 16 May to 29 May 2016.

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In the Western Trust area, there is an ongoing shortage of ‘forever homes’ where the child will live long-term.

Information sessions will be held in Strabane on Monday May 16 at 7.30 pm at the Fir Trees Hotel, and in Derry the following night (Tuesday) at 7.30 pm at Da Vinci’s Hotel.

Dympna Brogan, Social Work Manager for the Fostercare Recruitment and Assessment Team, said: “Across the Trust area there are children of all ages who may not be able to live with their birth family. These children need a permanent home for the rest of their childhood.”

Those interested in fostering can also contact the Team on 028 8283 5264 or email: [email protected]. Alternatively, call HSC Regional Adoption and Fostering Service on 0800 0720 137 or enquire online.

Related topics:DerryStrabaneNorth WestWestern Trust