Bucks residents urged to look at fostering siblings and teens
Over 500 children in the county are in need of a safe space to live
Residents in Buckinghamshire are being asked to look at fostering, particularly teens and siblings.
Bucks Council believe there are over 500 children in the county who need a safe place to stay,
As part of Foster Care Fortnight Buckinghamshire carers are sharing their stories, to hopefully bring others into the role.
Liz Shields is Fostering Operations Manager for Buckinghamshire Council:
"There are all types of fostering and children need that support for a range of reasons.
"It can be for a few days, or a few years and sometimes beyond.
"It might be that a family is in crisis but all of the children will have experienced loss and trauma in some way in their lives and what they need is a safe and secure space.
"I think for many people if home isn't safe and comfortable the last year has been incredibly hard and the pressure on families that were already struggling has only grown.
"Our foster carers have done amazingly in the last year and I am in awe of what they do on a daily basis."
Liz explained that brothers and sisters pairings and teenagers are in particular need of fostering.
Sheila has been fostering for two decades, and looks after teenagers:
"It was always my plan when I retired that I wanted to foster, because I've always worked with children and had the skills to help.
"I have enjoyed every minute that I have been fostering. It is such a privilege to help children through their life and make sure they have the opportunities they deserve in life.
"Particularly with teenagers, when teaching I always liked the ones who needed a bit more support so I focus on children with ADHD or Autism so they have the chances others do.
"At first I wanted to do short term stays but it takes over and the more I become involved the more I wanted to do and look after children into adult life.
"It doesnt stop when they turn 18, they still need places to go when they're not working or on leave from the army things like that and they really just become part of your family network."