THE Fostering Network has announced that 9,000 new foster families are needed in the UK in the next 12 months – could anyone in Yeovil help with the appeal?

Somerset County Council currently has around 250 foster carers and will need another 100 to 150 in the next year to keep up with the rising number of children coming into care and to replace the foster carers that have retired.

The council’s children and families spokesman Cllr Frances Nicholson, said: ‘’It is our responsibility to make sure children and young people in Somerset are safe.

 ‘’Children who have come into our care have often experienced trauma and neglect. We have a duty to give them a loving and stable home, where they can thrive and begin to reach their potential."

The number of children in care in Somerset has risen from around 370 to more than 500 in just four years.

These figures reflect a national rise in the number of children in care which is strongly linked to the Baby Peter Connelly case, as more people now report signs of abuse or neglect.

Cllr Nicholson continued: "We need more people to become foster carers in Somerset. All you need is a spare room in your home, willingness to help a child, bucket loads of patience and a willingness to learn.

 ‘’We welcome people from all walks of life to apply to foster. It doesn't matter if you are single, married or in a same sex relationship, own or rent your home, have children of your own or not.

 ‘’And there are lots of different types of fostering, which means you can choose how much time and energy you can offer a child and what suits your circumstances best.

 ‘’A number of our specialist foster care schemes offer professional training and pay a weekly fee, meaning that you can use your skills to earn an income whilst helping a child have a better future."

To find out more about becoming a foster carer and the different types of foster care, visit: www.fosteringinsomerset.org.uk or phone 0800 587 9900 for an information pack.