Lancashire County Council has launched a special appeal to find a loving foster home for three brothers and their sister.
The children are currently living with two different foster families, but need to be together.
The brothers and sister, Harry aged 15, Arlo aged 12, Flynn aged eight and Lilly aged six, (not their real names) have a close bond and it is not in their best interests to be separated.
Being able to keep their ties with each other will help them to be able to thrive in the future.
County Councillor Phillippa Williamson, cabinet member for children, young people and schools, is urging anyone who is considering fostering to think about whether they can help.
Councillor Williamson said: “We have a family of four children who have been through a lot in their young lives.
“They are all very close and supportive of each other. We need to find them a permanent, long-term fostering family where they can grow up together.
“We are doing all we can to keep these children together. In cases like this, the family relationships take on extra importance. Being able to remain together will be an important source of comfort, strength and support.
“We often have to find fostering families for brother and sister groups, but this is a big number to try to accommodate – hence the appeal to the public. I’m hoping that we can encourage people to at least think this over.”
People are being asked to consider whether a change in their circumstances caused by the current Coronavirus situation could leave them well placed to provide a loving home for these children.
The county council is also urging anyone who has fostered with them in the past to think about coming forward to offer the benefit of their experience.
It is hoped that foster carers who are currently taking a break from fostering and retired foster carers will come forward as they already have the skills and know how important fostering is for making a real difference to a local child’s life.
Becoming a foster carer could also be an ideal opportunity for anyone who is looking for a new challenge.
Also, anyone who has considered fostering previously, and whose circumstances are now different, are asked to come forward.
Caring for vulnerable children is one of Lancashire County Council’s highest priorities, and its fostering team are available 24/7 to offer support and advice. Foster carers also have access to their own social worker, a dedicated helpline and flexible training.
There is also a generous allowance for both new and experienced foster carers, who can expect to receive between £250 and £428 per week for each child they care for.
New foster carers can also benefit from a new academy created to support their growth and development, a mentoring scheme and the support of an experienced foster carer buddy. They will also receive specialised training and any necessary support from a team of psychologists and emotional health workers.
Lancashire County Council welcomes new foster carers from all different backgrounds.
Foster carers need to be over 21 and have a spare room available by the end of the assessment process.
A case story giving more detail about the brothers and their sister is available at www.lancashire.gov.uk/fostering/fostering-stories/hear-from-our-children-and-young-people/harry-arlo-flynn-and-lilly
Anyone interested in finding out more about Harry, Arlo, Flynn and Lilly should contact the fostering team on 0300 123 6723.
To find out more about becoming a foster carer visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/fostering or call our team on 0300 123 6723.
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