One of my dearest wishes is that all children in Buckinghamshire have a safe, happy and loving home.
So, as County Council Cabinet Member for Children's Services, it disappoints me that the number of looked-after children in the county never seems to shrink below the 400-mark.
It is our duty to find foster homes for as many of them as possible and that is why you will see a constant stream of publicity from us unashamedly advertising this fact.
We appeal to those who think they may make suitable foster parents to come forward and find out what it involves. A simple inquiry does not mean a commitment, but it may lead to a lifetime of fulfilment for you.
I write this letter as part of national Fostercare Fortnight, which is running from May 16th to May 29th. We have been using this fortnight to ask people to tell us their wishes by placing them on one of our Wishing Trees in libraries around the county, in Aylesbury, Buckingham, Chesham and High Wycombe. The trees will be in libraries until Sunday 29th May.
I would like to thank everyone who has taken part and made a wish, but even if you haven't, you can still help these children by granting them their dearest wish of a home.
Fostering can be such a rewarding experience. Yes, it can be difficult at times but we offer full training and all the ongoing support you need. So, if it's something you've ever thought about or are thinking about, please get in touch to find out more.
Alternatively, you could attend one of our forthcoming fostering information sessions. The next ones are: 9th June – Buckingham Opportunities Centre; 16th June – The Hub, Easton Street, High Wycombe; 22nd June – Aylesbury Opportunities Centre.
Of course, this is not a new message, and some readers may wonder why we keep banging on year after year in the media about fostering.
The reason? We have more than 400 children who need your help. So my other wish is that we don't stop campaigning for foster carers until every last child has been found a secure loving home.
To find out more about fostering or the details of the fostering information sessions, visit our website: www.buckscc.gov.uk/fostering or call 0800 160 1900
Lin Hazell
Buckinghamshire County Council Cabinet Member for Children's Services
