Praise for Northumberland foster carers' efforts during pandemic

Foster carers open up their homes and provide a welcoming and stable environment for young people who may be experiencing a crisis, and provide care while helping children to return home or move in with a new permanent family.Carers are currently providing support at short notice to families where parents have become unwell due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Cath McEvoy-Carr, executive director of adults and children's services, said: “This is an incredibly worrying time for us all, but for young people experiencing family crisis it can be particularly difficult.“I’m incredibly proud of all our foster carers, they respond quickly and welcome young people into their homes at times of crisis, often in challenging and difficult circumstances.

“They offer kindness and support, in a calm and caring way and I cannot thank them enough. Each and every one of them does an amazing job, making a real difference and supporting the vulnerable.”Coun Wayne Daley, deputy leader and cabinet member for children’s services, added: “Keeping children and young people in our county safe is a top priority for the council and we could not do this without the ongoing support of our carers.“They make a real difference to the lives of children by offering them a stable home and we are very grateful for that."To find out more about fostering in Northumberland please visit: www.northumberland.gov.uk/foster

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