A CAMPAIGN to encourage more people become foster carers and raise public awareness was launched this week.

'Fostering Fortnight' is taking place across the country, from June 24 to July 5, to highlight the tremendous work done by existing foster carers and, hopefully, recruit new carers.

Lancashire County Council have four family placement teams across the county, and Morecambe Bay is served by a team of 10 staff, who work with 100 foster carers in the area.

The wide variety of carers reflect the variety of children who need looking after.

These carers look after all ages of children - from babies to teenagers who are preparing to move on to independence.

Some carers look after some children on a permanent basis, others for a few weeks or months.

There are also a number of carers who offer regular short breaks to children with disabilities.

One of the important qualities needed for fostering is flexibility, as some places may be required urgently.

A group of the local foster carers met with the staff on the first day of 'Fostering Fortnight' for a coffee morning held at the offices in White Cross, Lancaster.

This was an opportunity to thank them for all their hard work and commitment to the children they look after.

Foster carers and staff shared fond memories of children they have cared for, some now grown up with children of their own.

So, what makes people want to foster? What do they get out of it? These are questions only those doing it can answer.

Carers were unanimous that 'you put in a lot, but get more back from the children.'

They also agree that there is a lot of satisfaction in helping a child return home to parents, or to move on to a permanent placement.

One carer feels anyone could foster if they 'have the love to care and a room to spare.'

Foster carers, it seems, are 'ordinary' people with 'extra-ordinary skills!'

Sandra Johnson, the team manager, commented on the different people who foster; married couples, divorced adults, single people, unemployed - as well as the more traditional families - married with slightly older children, or whose children may have moved on.

If you are interested in finding out more about fostering, the family placement team are to hold an information night at the Strathmore Hotel, Morecambe on July 4, between 7pm and 9.30pm.

If you have ever wondered what is involved, or how you could become a foster carer, why not go along and meet the foster carers and family placement staff.