Couples and guardians are being urged to come forward to become foster carers for needy children this Foster Care Fortnight.

While care is provided for orphans who have lost their parents or children of parents who can no longer look after them in children's homes, these children can also be adopted by loving couples, families and guardians.

Authorities in our area are urging more couples, families and guardians to consider caring for in-need children over Foster Care Fortnight, which runs from Monday, May 10, to Sunday, May 23.

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Two successful couples have shared their experiences of being foster carers in Bracknell and Wokingham.

Charlotte and Kevin Dryden are an experienced foster care couple living in Wokingham Borough, who became carers after attending a council fostering event.

They said: “We have experienced a wide range of children in age and the type of care each individual child needs.

"We have found fostering challenging at times but also very rewarding. We keep in touch with many of the children we have cared for. It's lovely to see how they are getting on and so nice that the families keep in touch with us too.

“Our main concern with fostering was how our own children would adapt towards different children coming to live with us.

"Our girls have been amazing. There have been challenging times but the good times outweigh the bad. Both girls really enjoy fostering and are a credit to both Kevin and I, they are truly amazing with every child we have had the pleasure to care for and are still caring for now.

“Fostering is a very challenging job but overall, we see such positive changes to the children who have passed through our doors and we look forward to welcoming many more children in the future.”

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Over in Bracknell Forest, Paul and Ingrid have recently found themselves in a position to foster. Ingrid said: “We considered becoming foster carers for a while, however work and other life commitments always got in the way. Until lockdown we, like many, suddenly had more time to think about what really matters.

“We were approved as carers in January 2021 and within a few weeks we had our first placement.

"At first it was a little daunting having a ‘stranger’ in the house and getting to know their likes, dislikes etc. However, he settled in extremely well and is now very much part of the family.

Bracknell News:

"When our fostered child ‘S’ arrived, he was shy, withdrawn and lacking in self-confidence. Within weeks he has developed into a confident, outgoing boy who stands much taller. He loves joining in with family activities and is a pleasure to have in our home.

“The support we have received from the family placement team at Bracknell Forest Council has been great. They are always there if you need support, either face to face, online or over the phone. Our advice to anyone who is thinking about becoming a foster carer is to do it! It’s the most rewarding job and every child deserves the best possible start in life."

Foster carers in Bracknell Forest can receive a number of benefits for their services, including allowances of up to £475 per week, per child. There is a particular need for foster carers for teenagers, sibling groups and children with complex needs.

Foster care is also needed for the unaccompanied migrant and refugee children.

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If you are considering becoming a foster carer in Bracknell Forest, please visit the council's website or call 01344 352411.

To become a foster carer in Wokingham Borough, you can sign up to attend one of the council's online fostering information events from 12.30pm to 2pm on Wednesday, May 19 and 6pm to 7.30pm on Thursday, May 20.

Find out more by emailing fostering@wokingham.gov.uk, call 0118 974 6204 or visiting https://fostering.wokingham.gov.uk/

Children without foster homes will be housed in a children's care home. Experiences of children these homes was popularised by the novel and TV show Tracy Beaker, who was portrayed by Bracknell actress Dani Harmer.