There are many young people living in North East Lincolnshire who are waiting to be loved and cared for by foster parents, and there's a chance for you to make a difference. The Grimsby Telegraph finds out more...
PETER'S experience of family life at home was one of neglect and violence.
When he first went into care aged nine, he could not manage his behaviour at school or home. He ran away, was excluded from education and caused damage when he became frustrated.
The youngster spent time in a residential setting with clear boundaries and routines and consistent adult guidance and support.
As a result, he has now had the opportunity to return to and settle in his education, and his behaviour has improved – although he will continue to need assistance to manage his behaviour.
Now, Peter is ready to move to a family home with a foster carer who can continue to provide consistent routines and boundaries and give Peter the life opportunities he may not have had previously.
James is also looking for a family to support him.
His parents never bonded with him. For the first three years of his life, he wasn't played with, or even spoken to.
He did not experience a nurturing, loving environment, and this has caused a developmental delay; in particular, he is behind in his speech.
Since being in care, his development has improved significantly with stimulation, love and care.
He will always need lots of support and encouragement but is now ready to move into a family home with carers who can provide this until he is an adult.
Peter and James are not alone. There are many young people living in North East Lincolnshire who need care through fostering.
And now, North East Lincolnshire Council is looking for new foster carers to ease the burdens some children are facing.
A spokesperson for the council's fostering team said: "There are a number of children and young people requiring foster care in the area.
"Some have survived traumatic, life-changing circumstances. Others have challenging behaviours or health difficulties.
"All require foster carers to provide stable, safe, calming environments to give them a chance to recover and sometimes see them into adulthood.
"Modern fostering is a career and demands a great deal of time and commitment. It often requires at least one partner to be at home, available for the child and able to deal with meetings, appointments and emergencies.
"Most of all fostering requires carers to be accountable and considerate in their dealings, even with the most challenging child.
"There is a payment package available for the carers with the required skills but foster carers do not need professional qualifications."
If you think you can make a difference and would like to know more, you are encouraged to attend one of the presentation and information events being held in Grimsby and Cleethorpes.
They are on: Monday at Cleethorpes Memorial Hall; and Wednesday at the Humber Royal Hotel, Grimsby. Presentations are at 1pm and 6pm on both days.
Councillor Ian Lindley, portfolio holder for people services at the council, added: "Foster carers are ordinary people doing remarkable things for young people every day. We would like anyone with an interest in fostering to attend one of our events next week.
"There will be presentations and opportunities to talk to foster carers, as well as social workers and residential managers and have your questions answered."
