Lancashire County Council are appealing to those in Preston, and wider Lancashire, to give a loving foster home to three brothers and their sister.
AdvertisementThe children are currently living with two different foster families, but they need to be in one home.
The brothers and sister, Harry aged 15, Arlo aged 12, Flynn aged eight and Lilly aged six, (names have been changed) have a close bond, so it is not in their best interests to be separated.
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Being able to keep their ties with each other will help them to be able to thrive in the future.
County Councillor Phillippa Williamson, cabinet member for children, young people and schools, is urging anyone who is considering fostering to think about whether they can help.
Councillor Williamson said: “We have a family of four children who have been through a lot in their young lives. They are all very close and supportive of each other. We need to find them a permanent, long-term fostering family where they can grow up together.
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“We are doing all we can to keep these children together. In cases like this, the family relationships take on extra importance. Being able to remain together will be an important source of comfort, strength and support.
“We often have to find fostering families for brother and sister groups, but this is a big number to try to accommodate – hence the appeal to the public. I’m hoping that we can encourage people to at least think this over.”
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People are being asked to consider whether a change in their circumstances caused by coronavirus could leave them well placed to provide a loving home for these children.
The county council is also urging anyone who has fostered with them in the past to think about coming forward to offer the benefit of their experience to really make a change to the local children’s lives.
Caring for vulnerable children is one of Lancashire County Council’s highest priorities, and its fostering team are available 24/7 to offer support and advice. Foster carers also have access to their own social worker, a dedicated helpline and flexible training.
There is also a generous allowance for both new and experienced foster carers, who can expect to receive between £250 and £428 per week for each child they care for.
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Lancashire County Council welcomes new foster carers from all different backgrounds. Foster carers need to be over 21 and have a spare room available by the end of the assessment process.
For more details about the siblings, click here.
Anyone interested in finding out more about Harry, Arlo, Flynn and Lilly should contact the fostering team on 0300 123 6723.
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Is fostering something you’ve considered before? Let us know in the comments below.