Central Bedfordshire Council is encouraging people in the county to foster as part of a national campaign.
National Foster Care Fortnight started on Monday and runs until May 27, with the council choosing the theme of #proudtofoster – allowing people to share their experiences of fostering children.
Councillor Steven Dixon, responsible for families, education and children, has praised those who foster and encourage more people to do so.
“Our foster carers do a tremendous job and we are very proud of them as they provide exemplary care to some of our most vulnerable children,” he said.
“Often prospective foster carers find it daunting making that first step to foster.
“Once they make that first call and realise the support they receive throughout the whole fostering process and see the difference that they truly do make, they realise what a fantastic thing they are doing.
“So, if you have ever thought about fostering, I would encourage you to contact our fostering team today.”
Hertfordshire County Council is also marking National Foster Care Fortnight – and those telling their fostering stories include 27-year-old Thomas Anderson from Shefford.
Thomas was one of thousands of children helped by Hertfordshire’s fostering service, and he is grateful to the service for its work.
“Being fostered enabled me to progress through education and achieve to the best of my ability, obtaining two degrees,” he said.
“It showed me what a loving family is like, one which I am still part of today.
“Foster care offered me support and stability, both things that were lacking in my life.
“I can ultimately say that if I was not fostered, then my life may have taken me down different avenues and that I am very grateful to the service.”
Tessa Heritage, Herts County Council cabinet member for children’s services, said: “Our foster carers are all ordinary people but they do an extraordinary thing, literally transforming the lives of young people.
“The foster carers also tell us what an amazing difference it makes to their lives, creating special and long-lasting memories.”
For more information about fostering in Beds visit centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/fostering or call 0300 300 8181.
For more information about fostering in Herts visit hertfordshire.gov.uk/FCF2018 or call 0800 917 0925.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here