Shropshire Fostering has launched a new campaign to raise awareness that babies are among the children who need foster care – and to encourage local families to consider opening their hearts and homes to the youngest children requiring support.
While many people associate fostering with older children and teenagers, babies in Shropshire regularly need safe, nurturing fostering families. Some fostering arrangements last just a few weeks, while others may continue for up to two years as families work towards reunification or supporting a child to achieve permanence within a different care arrangement.
The campaign aims to dispel the misconception that fostering is only for school-age children, and to ensure Shropshire's youngest residents can remain in their local community and receive the love and care they need during a crucial time in their development.
Erika Ower, Service Manager for Fostering & Adoption, said:
"We often hear people say they never realised there are babies who need foster carers. The reality is all children need safe, loving, nurturing homes. Baby fostering is filled with precious moments – first smiles, first steps, bedtime cuddles – and the loving, attuned care provided by foster carers makes an incredible difference during the most formative months of a child's life.
"Whether a fostering arrangement is short-term while we support childrens families, or longer-term as we support a child moving on to be adopted, baby foster carers provide the stability, comfort and love that every baby deserves. We'd love to hear from any Shropshire individuals or couples who’d be interested in baby fostering."
As a not-for-profit service backed by Shropshire Council, Shropshire Fostering focuses on keeping Shropshire children in Shropshire, helping them stay connected to their local community. Their Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ service provides full training, 24/7 professional support and guaranteed financial payments whether you’re looking after a child or not.
Baby foster carers come from all backgrounds and walks of life. What matters most is you have space to open your heart and home to a baby and you have the ability to provide a safe, loving environment during a critical time in a child's early development. A spare room is not needed.
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