We cannot take for granted what comprises a family unit today because it could be somewhat different from how our forebears might have taken for granted in years gone by.

There are so many changes in society nowadays leading to stresses and strains on relationships that some children may have to leave that family unit and get placed within another.

Fostering has been a highly rewarding experience for the many couples who become engaged in it and who take on these children and young people in the hope of giving them support and becoming an advocate for them.

With Foster Care Fortnight taking place from June 1, we will hear of the many successes of how young people have had their lives turned round and can go out into the world independently and with confidence.

But sadly, there is such a big demand for children from difficult homes and backgrounds that there is a greater need for more foster carers to have them placed.

One of the themes of Foster Care Fortnight will be “Make the Connection” to increase awareness of the need for more foster carers and recognise the main role that existing foster carers play in providing stable, caring homes for vulnerable children and young people.

The Western Health Trust is organising a meeting for potential new foster carers in June so they can hear more about how to take up a valuable role in society. With 388 children and young people living with foster carers already in the Trust’s area, the need for more carers becomes greater.

One couple, the Walkers from Trory, who have provided foster care for 11 children over the past 12 years positively encourage many others to take up fostering. They have publicly endorsed fostering with comforting words such as “They are all just wee children. They may have additional needs but the bottom line is that they just need to be given a chance and a bit of support. Part of your fostering role is being an advocate for these children - they need someone in their corner.” We cannot take for granted what comprises a family unit today because it could be somewhat different from how our forebears might have taken for granted in years gone by.

There are so many changes in society nowadays leading to stresses and strains on relationships that some children may have to leave that family unit and get placed within another.

Fostering has been a highly rewarding experience for the many couples who become engaged in it and who take on these children and young people in the hope of giving them support and becoming an advocate for them.

With Foster Care Fortnight taking place from June 1, we will hear of the many successes of how young people have had their lives turned round and can go out into the world independently and with confidence.

But sadly, there is such a big demand for children from difficult homes and backgrounds that there is a greater need for more foster carers to have them placed.

One of the themes of Foster Care Fortnight will be “Make the Connection” to increase awareness of the need for more foster carers and recognise the main role that existing foster carers play in providing stable, caring homes for vulnerable children and young people.

The Western Health Trust is organising a meeting for potential new foster carers in June so they can hear more about how to take up a valuable role in society. With 388 children and young people living with foster carers already in the Trust’s area, the need for more carers becomes greater.

One couple, the Walkers from Trory, who have provided foster care for 11 children over the past 12 years positively encourage many others to take up fostering. They have publicly endorsed fostering with comforting words such as “They are all just wee children. They may have additional needs but the bottom line is that they just need to be given a chance and a bit of support. Part of your fostering role is being an advocate for these children - they need someone in their corner.”