PEOPLE in Inverclyde are being urged to consider fostering to transform the lives of children and young people.

As Foster Care Fortnight continues welfare agencies are trying to raise awareness of the need to recruit more carers.

Councillor Robert Moran, convener of Inverclyde Council’s health and social care committee, is appealing for people to come forward.

Cllr Moran said: “Foster carers can come from all kinds of backgrounds.

“The only thing that we ask is that they are committed to providing a nurturing and secure home to help children and young people grow and develop.

“Children and young people in care have already had their lives turned upside down through no fault of their own.

“In Inverclyde some of our older children are faced with the very real prospect of being moved outside an area they have known all of their lives because there are not enough foster placements available locally. We really need people to come forward and let us know they are interested.”

A comprehensive package of support is available to those considering taking up foster caring.

Carers would have 24-hour access to social work staff, allowances to help meet the costs of caring for a child, access to group support from other foster carers and full training for the job.

Councillor Moran added: “A foster home can provide the stability and support a child needs for a better future and a foster carer can help to transform lives.

“It can be a hard job but foster carers tell us that it can be hugely rewarding and can make a real difference to children’s lives – and to yours.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about fostering is invited to attend Inverclyde Council’s information morning at Greenock Town Hall today from 10am until noon.

The fostering team can also be contacted by calling 01475 715365.