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A FOSTER couple from Winchcombe are calling for others to get involved to coincide with the launch of Foster Care Fortnight later this month.

David and Joanna Lloyd have been fostering for three years and are drawing attention to the nationwide campaign, that begins on Monday, May 12 and runs through until Sunday, May 25, to highlight the need for more foster carers in the UK.

They said it was something they had thought about doing for a number of years, but got into it after a friend started fostering.

Joanna said: "I was at home with the younger children anyway and we had the space, so we thought we'd give it a go.

"We get a lot out of it. It's wonderful to see the progress children make.

"For those thinking about doing it themselves be aware that some children do come with a lot of problems, but definitely go for it. We love fostering and have no regrets."

In March this year there were 314 children in foster care with Gloucestershire County Council. Of these 147 were girls and 167 were boys.

The council is calling for more people to come forward to foster children of all ages, but particularly older children, teenagers and those with complex needs.

Fostering can mean anything from looking after a child with a disability for a few hours, to caring for a teenager for a few years. Although the parents still have legal responsibility for the child, foster carers have day-to-day responsibility for their welfare.

County Councillor Paul McLain, cabinet member for young people, said: "Our aim for all children is to give them the best possible life chances, which means offering the opportunity to foster to the widest possible range of people."

For more information contact Gloucestershire County Council's Fostering Team on 01242 532 654.

2:30pm Wednesday 7th May 2008

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