Derbyshire County Council is calling for foster carers and adoptive parents with a TV advertising campaign.  The authority – which currently looks after about 544 children – is running two different adverts throughout the day and evening on ITV1 Central.  The adverts will appeal for people with room in their home and their lives to consider fostering or adopting.

The campaign follows on from the success of adverts shown last November that led to 22 homes being found for local children.  There are already about 400 foster carers providing stable and loving homes for children throughout Derbyshire for the county council. But more are needed to replace people who are retiring or moving out of the county so short and long-term foster care, and adoptive homes, can be offered for children anywhere in Derbyshire.

Councillor Tracy Critchlow, Cabinet Member for Young People, said: “Caring for children is an incredibly important responsibility for us and we’re always looking for foster carers and adoptive parents so we can match youngsters to the right homes.  “Being a parent is one of the hardest jobs you can do but it is also one of the most rewarding, which is why many of our foster carers work with us for decades.  “We offer generous rates and allowances and back carers all the way with support from social workers and other experienced foster parents in our team.  “I hope these adverts will attract more people to come forward to foster or adopt.”  The TV adverts will show how the lives of a Mr Walsh, and Mr and Mrs Lewis have changed for the better as a result of caring for children.

Anyone interested in fostering or adoption can Call Derbyshire on 08456 058 058 to find out more.