Schoolchildren support fostering and adoption campaign

GREEN-FINGERED schoolchildren are showing their support for the council’s fostering and adoption campaign. 

[caption id="attachment_561" align="alignright" width="500"] Saighton Church of England Primary School in Chester have backed the scheme by planting 100 bulbs. Photo: Flickr/CheshireWest[/caption]

Cheshire West and Chester currently has 400 children needing homes, but there are only 300 foster carers and adopters available.

In order to help promote the campaign to find the 100 needed places, primary, secondary and special school children are joining the authority’s ‘100 Bulbs Campaign’.

As a part of the scheme, sixty schools across the borough have planted bulbs, in the shape of the number 100, which will flower in the springtime.

Councillor Mark Stocks, Executive Member for Children and Families, said: “We are thrilled at the support shown by our schools for the 100 Bulbs Campaign.”

“We hope the children will talk to their parents, carers and families about the bulbs, helping us raise awareness of the urgent need for 100 foster carers and adopters in West Cheshire. Our message is simple - if you think you could make a difference to a child’s life, please get in touch.”

As well as at the schools, 100 bulbs have been planted at key locations throughout the borough, and will be marked out with a plaque in the spring.

The council is currently seeking foster carers and adopters for children and young people of all ages, but in particular, children aged over five, teenagers, siblings, children with disabilities and a parent and child. They have stressed that no qualifications or special experience is necessary, just a commitment and willingness to learn.

Anyone wishing to find out more about fostering or adoption can text SMILE to 80010, telephone the recruitment team on 01244 972222 or visit http://www.smileadoptionandfostering.co.uk/

Chester Intelligencer reporter, Sean Lunt

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