Cornwall Council’s fostering team is launching a campaign this week calling on more people to consider becoming a foster carer.

At any one time there are 30 children or young people in Cornwall who need a place to call home.

Fostering families are currently needed for siblings and teenagers in particular.

Cllr Barbara Ellenbroek, cabinet member for children and families, said: “Fostering can be a life-changing experience for everyone involved.

“You could be single or married, live in a flat or house, rent or own, and come from any walk of life, because all you need to be a foster carer is to be able to provide a place of comfort and stability to help a child realise their potential.”

Some children return to their parents after a period of being in foster care, as long as the worries that brought them into care have been successfully resolved, and their parents can look after them safely.

Other children stay in foster care long-term throughout their childhoods, some are adopted and some move on to live independently.

There are many reasons some children and young people need foster care. They may have experienced family problems, abuse or neglect. For others, it might be their parents have a short-term illness, mental health issues, learning difficulties or problems with drug or alcohol misuse.

Cllr Ellenbroek said: “Their backgrounds and experiences can be damaging to a child’s development and lead to difficulties in them trusting people.

“Like all children, they need to be part of a family where they are nurtured and feel safe.

“Given time, warmth and support, children and young people can really develop and reach their potential as individuals.

“All carers receive training, 24-hour access to support, along with financial allowances.

“As a foster carer you need to have the time, patience and determination to support and help vulnerable children and young people who are living away from their families.

“You will need to be over 21 and have the flexibility in your life to be a foster carer.”

Cornwall Council’s fostering service offers support for all foster carers 24/7 365 days a year.

If you are interested, please call the team on 01872 323638 or to find out more visit www.cornwall.gov.uk/fostering