Inspiring more people to foster and celebrating our fostering community this Foster Care Fortnight

Foster care fortnight starts today, a two-week nationwide effort to raise awareness of the incredible impact of foster care, and to inspire more people to consider becoming foster carers. It’s also a chance to say thank you to and celebrate foster carers for their remarkable dedication.

This year’s theme, ‘The Power of Relationships’, celebrates the meaningful connections that transform lives. In fostering, powerful relationships make a difference every day - from the bond between a foster carer and a child, to the vital support of social workers, friendships within the fostering community or the connections with birth families. These relationships shape lives, create stability, and open up new possibilities for the future.

The next couple of weeks are a fantastic opportunity to highlight the need for more foster carers – not just in Barnsley, but across the country.

We’re always looking for more people in Barnsley who can give a safe and loving home to a child in care at a time when they need it most. When a Barnsley child or young person is fostered  by a Barnsley carer, they can keep living in the town they call home, go to the same school, and continue to grow their relationships with their family and friends. 

There are lots of activities taking place over the next two weeks, from a fostering 5k run to a live question and answer session. There will also be information stalls popping up across the borough – if you’re interested in fostering, come along for a friendly chat with the team. Keep an eye on the Fostering Barnsley Facebook page, where the team will be sharing upcoming events and activities.

You can find out more about fostering in Barnsley on the Fostering Barnsley website.

Cllr Trevor Cave Cabinet spokesperson for Children’s Services, said: “I’m incredibly thankful of the fantastic foster carers we have here in Barnsley – these are remarkable people, offering the love, care and support children and young people in care need to flourish, bloom, and prosper.

“Foster Care Fortnight is a great opportunity not only to celebrate our foster carers, but to encourage more people to start their fostering journey in Barnsley. Foster carers are urgently needed to provide safe, nurturing homes so that every child can grow up in a loving and supportive environment. It’s not just about providing a home; it’s about offering hope, stability, and a brighter future for children and young people in need.

“If you could welcome a child or young person into your heart, your home and your family to give them the love, care and support they need, please do come along to one of the team’s information stalls to find out more.”