SOCIAL workers from across the region are taking part in a national campaign, highlighting the growing need for foster carers.

Foster Care Fortnight – which began on Monday 1st June and runs until Sunday 14th June – is the UK's biggest foster care awareness raising campaign.

Run by charity The Fostering Network, the campaign, which has been established for almost 20 years, supports fostering services to highlight the need for more foster carers.

More than 8,300 are needed in 2015 alone to care for a range of children, with the highest demand for foster carers for older children, sibling groups and longer term placements specifically.

Over the fortnight, staff from Monmouthshire's Fostering Team will be in Caldicot, Chepstow and Monmouth distributing information and seeking to recruit foster carers. 

In addition, information will be sent to the county's schools, libraries, leisure centres and youth clubs as well as the council's one stop shops. 

Cabinet member with responsibility for social care and health, Councillor Geoff Burrows said: "Monmouthshire County Council is looking for people who are committed to supporting children and young people and who can offer them the necessary stability and support.  

"There are no restrictions on who can apply; however, all applications are subject to safeguarding checks."

An experienced Monmouthshire foster carer commented: "I had wanted to foster for so long, but excuses got in the way until three years ago when everything came together and it just felt like it was the right time. 

"The application process was thorough, but not intimidating.  

"It gave us time to learn more about it and make sure it was something we really wanted to do.

"Although it's a cliché it really is a very rewarding experience."

To find out more information on becoming a foster carer, email family

uk or call 01873 735950.