Huddersfield Town and Kirklees Council launches Partnership to tackle shortage of foster carers
We have joined forces with Huddersfield Town Football Club to urge local families to get involved in the vital area of foster care.
Why is it important?
There are currently more than 450 children and young people from Kirklees in foster care. Over 150 are placed with foster families outside the area because the council doesn’t have enough local foster carers. Moving a child away from their school, their friends and family can be very distressing, and if it’s a short term placement it can have a negative impact on schooling.
Huddersfield Town have pledged to support our ongoing campaign to recruit more foster carers throughout the 2019/20 season. There will be many opportunities for fans to find out how they can get involved in making a difference to Kirklees children.
Huddersfield Town Ambassador Andy Booth explains
“We’re delighted to be working with Kirklees Council in recruiting more foster carers. We recognise how important it is to come together to achieve the best outcomes for children and young people across Kirklees.
Here at the club we work tirelessly within communities to support children and families. Football is a way of breaking down barriers between communities and promotes equality, and inclusion. This an important message we want to help spread with Kirklees Council, there is no such thing as a typical foster carer, we would encourage anybody interested to find out more.”
Lucy Kirby, Kirklees Council, Fostering Team said:
“There is a general all-round shortage of foster carers across Kirklees although we particularly need more people to look after teenagers, sibling groups and children with additional needs or disabilities – short and long term and even part-time fostering.
“It’s very important we acknowledge the contribution that our foster carers are already making to the lives of looked after children in our community. We truly value their hard work and commitment. We really need more people to come forward to help us reduce the number of children being cared for outside the area”
Want to know more?
You can get more information at Kirklees Council Fostering.