As we mark Foster Care fortnight Cornwall Council and the Isles of Scilly’s Family Fostering Service are looking for more people to become foster carers to help children in Cornwall. Nearly 600 foster families are needed across the South West this year.

Cornwall Council is particularly looking for people who can care for older children, teenagers and also those who can provide a long term home for a child as a permanent foster carer.

There are many different types of fostering that foster carers can choose. From emergency to long-term care.

Foster carers come from a variety of backgrounds and receive training and support. They have to be at least 21 years old and there is no upper age limit, have a spare bedroom suitable for a young person to live in and be able to give the time to care, often on a full-time basis, but can have a job outside the home.