A COUNCIL is urging more people to change the lives of vulnerable children by considering fostering following an increase of children in care.

A series of informative events will be taking place over the next few months around Essex, for anyone interested in fostering.

There is a shortage of one hundred foster carers in Essex, which are needed to accommodate the growing number of children in the care system.

There are now 1,070 children in foster care in Essex and the number has been increasing for the past two years. As well as this, the rate of children leaving care has slowed down creating an even bigger demand for foster carers.

Mrs Daryl Colclough, 60, and her husband Alan, have been a foster carers for almost 20 years, and have joined the council’s campaign to persuade more people to consider the rewarding role.

The couple has since gone on to foster more than 140 children, from babies through to teenagers.

Daryl said: “I have never regretted becoming a foster carer, not even for a second. You are giving a child a second chance and that in itself is incredibly rewarding.

"We really need the people of Essex to become more aware of the benefits of becoming a foster carer.”

Becoming a foster carer is open to anyone over the age of 21 who has a spare room and the time and commitment to care for a child or children. Foster carers can be married, single or living with a partner of any gender.

Experience of looking after or working with children is desirable but they do not have to have children of their own.

Essex County Council's fostering services is rated "outstanding" by Ofsted,

Competitive fees are offered to foster carers depending on the age of the child or children. Carers of children over the age of 16 will receive £479 per week.

Councillor Dick Madden, cabinet member for children and families, said: “Mrs Colclough and all of the other foster carers across Essex are incredible role models, providing a selfless and remarkable service. To be able to offer a loving and caring home to vulnerable children is simply an amazing thing to do.”

Corrie Castleman, fostering team manager at Essex County Council, said: “It’s really important to get more people talking about foster care and I would encourage Essex residents to look at their own lives to consider whether they have the patience, compassion and the spare room required to provide a child with the secure home life they need.”

Essex County Council run a series of fostering information events and the next two are taking place in Colchester, 23 February, at 2pm until 4pm, at the Dragonfly Hotel, and in Chelmsford on March 9, at 11am until 1pm, at Essex County Cricket Ground.

There will also be other events in Basildon, on May 15, at Holiday Inn, and in Harlow on May 21, at Latton Bush Centre.

Anyone interested should call 0800 801 530, email adoptionandfostering@essex.gov.uk or visit the website for more information www.essexadoptionandfostering.co.uk/fostering.