The launch is part of the regional fostering initiative; the Regional Fostering and Training Coordination Service, which was set up in November 2007 to assist with the recruitment and training of foster carers on a coordinated basis across the five Health and Social Care Trusts in Northern Ireland.
Michael McGimpsey said: “Over the last number of years the department has become increasingly aware that children have much better outcomes if brought up within a family situation.
“Today’s event is about maximising opportunities to recruit more foster carers through the medium of television and the Internet. It is hoped that this advertisement and the establishment of the Health and Social Care website will attract the widest audience possible throughout Northern Ireland, and raise the profile of fostering and provide homes to some of the most vulnerable children and young people in our society.”
The fostering advertisement will appear on UTV, GMTV and Channel 4 for six weeks commencing on Monday 22 September 2008 and will be repeated from 19 January 2009 to 1 March 2009. The Health and Social Care Website www.fostering.hscni.net will provide valuable information to potential new foster carers as well as existing foster carers and staff about training events and other developments in HSC fostering.
Notes to Editors:
- There are around 2,400 children and young people in care in Northern Ireland, of whom around 1,400 (60%) are living with foster families.
- The Regional Fostering and Training Coordination Service was set up in November 2007 to assist with the recruitment and training of foster carers on a coordinated basis across the five Health and Social Care Trusts in Northern Ireland.
- The fostering advertisement will appear on UTV, GMTV and Channel 4 for six weeks commencing on Monday 22 September 2008 and will be repeated from 19 January 2009 to 1 March 2009. The Health and Social Care Website www.fostering.hscni.net will provide valuable information to potential new foster carers as well as existing foster carers and staff about training events and other developments in HSC fostering. The website will have profiles on a number of existing carers to highlight who they are and what they do.
- Media enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 2841. Out of hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.
