WOULD-BE foster carers are being urged to open their hearts and their homes to a young child in need.

Across North Ayrshire, new carers are needed to offer care and support to children and young people, who, through no fault of their own, find themselves in need of a fostering placement.

And during Foster Care Fortnight - which runs from May 16 to 29 – it’s hoped that those people who may have thought about becoming a foster carer will take the first step.

North Ayrshire is always seeking new foster carers – and many people don’t realise they may be able to offer a loving home to a child in need.

Councillor Anthea Dickson, Cabinet Member for the Health and Social Care, said: “We welcome enquiries from a broad range of applicants, including single people, couples and people from all walks of life. You really can make a huge difference to a young person’s life.

“People who foster and adopt through North Ayrshire Council have the chance to give those children who are unable to live with their own families that care and support they need.”

North Ayrshire needs local carers for North Ayrshire children. They currently have 174 children placed with 97 foster carers.

Finding sufficient numbers of the right carers is always a challenge faced by fostering services, although carers in North Ayrshire are paid amongst the best fees and allowances in Scotland as their work is seen as a skilled and demanding role.

Children come into care for a wide range of reasons and remain in care for a few days, months or sometimes longer.

Some children return to the care of their families but for others moving on to adoption or remaining in permanent foster care is the final outcome.

Foster homes which can care for a sibling group or children with more complex needs are particularly in demand.

North Ayrshire provides excellent support and training for all carers and many stay with the authority for a long time – one couple have been carers for almost 40 years.

For more information, call 01294 311 505 or email adfos@north-ayrshire.gov.uk or go to the foster caring section at www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk

The Family Placement Team will also be holding an open evening on Monday, May 23, at its offices at 47 West Road, Irvine, from 7.30pm-9pm. Potential carers can drop in and chat to staff.