Leicester's children in need could be a step closer to being given a home, after a successful open day.

The fostering and adoption service in Friar Lane opened its doors last week and welcomed a stream of people interested in adopting and fostering and particularly carers for the Family Link scheme which offers respite care to families with disabled children.

It supports 38 children, but there are 10 more on the waiting list, with more to follow.

Paul Morley, spokesman for the city's fostering and adoption team, said several people made serious inquiries about taking up the scheme.

REWARDING: Foster carer Teresa Toone with son Jake (nearest camera) and foster child Mark Davies

Teresa Toone, a married mum, from Thurnby Lodge, visited the offices and has been fostering children for five years. She started after contracting a bout of pneumonia which made her wonder what would happen to her own three boys if she was not around to care for them.

She currently fosters three boys and said: "I get satisfaction from it. It is give and take on all sides and the more you put in, the more rewarding it is."

In February, the Leicester Mercury, supported by Adoption-net, launched its Find A Family campaign to recruit 40 foster parents and adoptive parents for 40 children.

So far, 173 people have called about fostering and more than 400 about adoption.

Shortages still exist for volunteers to care for sibling groups, carers for disabled children and people wanting to care for older children.

One woman at the open day with her husband of 18 months was prompted by the Find a Family campaign to find out more about adoption and fostering.

She said: "We have had tough backgrounds and understand what it is to give children a safe environment, because we didn't have one."

Georgina Oreffo, who manages the Family Link scheme, said: "We would love to hear from anyone who has a few days to spare each month, plus patience, a sense of humour and a real desire to help disabled children.

"Carers get as much out of it as the children and they often build strong bonds."

For further information call the office on 0116 299 5800.

Story and picture courtesy of the Leicester Mercury

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