Everything You Need to Know About Foster Care Fortnight 2018
As a baby I was adopted, I personally didn’t go through the foster care system as my parents decided to take my home for the grace period, in the knowledge my birth mother had 6 months to change her mind. However, the norm back then at least was for the child to spend these “unknown” month in foster care.
As such anything to do with adoption and as an off shot fostering is quite close to my heart – so please have a read and see how you can help out this Foster Care Fortnight.
An annual event every year for nearly two decades, Foster Care Fortnight is the biggest foster care awareness-raising campaign. Delivered by fostering charity The Fostering Network, the campaign highlights the commitment of foster carers, throwing light of their passion and dedication for caring for children.
The message behind Foster Care Fortnight
The numbers of children entering the care system are increasing. Figures show that the numbers of children needing foster families are at an all-time high. There are many reasons why children cannot live with their family, some of which are complex and distressing.
Every child needs a safe place to call home and with passionate foster carers, they receive the attention, love and protection of a family they need to thrive. It is through the hard work of foster carers that some children are able to return home to their families.
However, the UK needs more foster carers. And with the annual campaign only a matter of weeks away – this year, it runs from 14th to 27th May – how can you get involved?
Transforming lives
Fostering transforms the lives of children, highlighted by the real stories that make up the campaign. Well-known celebrities, some of whom are foster carers, speak of their experiences of how, despite its ups and downs, it is one of the most amazing things they have done.
Other celebrities who were fostered as children determine that the love and attention they received from foster carers are the reasons why they flourish today.
Get Involved
Foster Care Fortnight is not just for foster carers because everyone can get involved. From past foster carers to current carers, to potential new foster families to people and communities who want to support the fostering community, there is an opportunity to get involved in the awareness-raising campaign.
And this is how YOU can get involved…
- Support the work of fostering charities, agencies and social services by positively tweeting or posting about foster care using the hashtag #FCF18
- #ProudToFoster is another hashtag you can use on social media, spreading the word about fostering and the difference it makes by using the phrase “I am #ProudToFoster”
- #ProudToSupportFostering is a hashtag you can use to support the many different facets and organisations involved in looking after some of the most vulnerable children and young people in society today
Spreading the Word
Foster Care Fortnight is the ideal time to challenge the misconceptions and bust the myths around what foster is – and what it isn’t.
There will be a series of short films, social media updates, tweets and posts, as well as media events, all of which you can support by using your social media channels by sharing. You may also decide that now is the time to spread the word about fostering by sharing your story.
Join the Thunderclap on 14th May on social media!
A thunderclap is a massive, coordinated posting on social media and this year, this is how the message behind Foster Care Fortnight will be launched. Reaching a bigger audience, this years’ campaign promises to be bigger and better!
Join in the #FCF18 Thunderclap by signing up now and a message will automatically be posted on your chosen social media page.
Why not find out more about Foster Care Fortnight and how you can support children and young people by getting in touch with Foster Care Associates?
This is a collaborative post.
I never knew that those first 6 months are usually spent in foster care. I have so much respect for people that foster, as it must be so hard to say goodbye all the time. But very rewarding thing to do too.
How great to raise awareness and to know that it’s somethjng you’re genuinely passionate about is wonderful. I didn’t even know this awareness week existed!
I think we must do all we can to ensure all children have a protective and happy environment especially in cases where the birth parents can’t provide a loving home.
What a great idea. As a childminder I know a few foster carers and adopters and it is so rewarding
Glad to be able to dropped by this link. This is my first time to learn about foster care and I definitely want to be one. This is a great initiative of being able to help childrens who needs home for a while until their situation and family is already fine.
I love that you are sharing about this topic which some may find sensitive or too proud to talk about. Fostering a child is so important, for society, the child itself and the carers. I know a lot of people who can’t have their own kids but don’t want to foster any children as they think its too complicated or its not for them. Foster Care Fortnight sounds like a great idea to get more people involved and aware of what foster care is all about.
I really admire families that foster long term – we have a few acquaintances that do just that and the love they have to share with their foster children is just amazing. Great that there is a campaign to raise awareness of the need for more foster families.
What a wonderful campaign and I’m in awe of people who open up their homes and hearts in this way.