Foster Care Fortnight, which begins today, hopes to encourage more residents to become foster parents after the number has fallen in Redbridge.

The annual, national campaign aims to raise the profile of fostering and highlight the need to recruit more foster parents for children of all ages.

Over the last two years, the number of foster families in Redbridge has fallen from 72 in March last year to 67 this year.

These foster parents are responsible for the care of 86 children and young people.

While there is a steady flow of enquiries from people about fostering, there is still a need for more prospective parents to come forward, particularly from black and ethnic minority communities and people able to foster sibling groups.

Fostering is a way of offering children and young people a home while their own parents are unable to look after them.

Cllr Alan Weinberg, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “Fostering is fun, fulfilling and hugely rewarding. Most foster parents say it is the most satisfying and worthwhile job they have done.

“We know some people might be put off by the process but we would encourage people to give us a call to find out more. It might not be as difficult as you think.”

In the majority of cases, children are placed with foster parents with the intention of reuniting them with their families as soon as possible.

Most people can become foster parents whether you are single, married or in a partnership, a homeowner or tenant and from any cultural or religious background. All you need is a spare room, time and tolerance.

Full training is given to foster parents, who are also supported by a social worker.

To find out more please call the duty fostering team on 020 8708 7528 or visit www.redbridge.gov.uk/fostering.