Could you make a difference to the lives of two young brothers who are looking to find a loving long-term home?

James, 11, and seven-year-old Daniel are currently in the care of Cheshire West and Chester Council. They have a very close bond and want to stay together.

Despite an exhaustive search by the council’s Fostering Service, the boys are still waiting for a home that can offer them the stability and security they need until they reach adulthood.

Fostering is always a key focus of the council and Foster Care Fortnight is a great opportunity to raise awareness of how many local children and young people, like James and Daniel, need your support.

RELATED STORY:Cheshire West and Chester children's centres under review

During Foster Care Fortnight, from May 16–29, the council is urging people to consider fostering to help care for the increasing number of children in care in the area.

The annual campaign, organised by the charity The Fostering Network, celebrates the amazing work that foster carers do and also aims to highlight the need for more foster carers. This year’s theme is ‘time to foster, time to care’.

Some children in care will be able to return to their families but others, like James and Daniel, are unable to go home. For these children a long-term foster family is often the best option for them.

Long-term foster families provide vulnerable local children and young people with a stable and secure home to live, where they can remain until they reach adulthood or are able to live independently.

James and Daniel currently live with a foster carer who is only able to offer them a short-term placement.

Their current foster carer said: “James and Daniel are great boys to look after and, as well as being very active, have good routines.

RELATED STORY:Cheshire West council asks people to consider fostering in 2016

“They love school and really want to find a family in the local area so they can continue going to their current school, where they have a close group of friends.

“The boys are looking for an active family as they enjoy going swimming, for walks, playing football and going to Beavers and Cubs every week.”

Cllr Nicole Meardon, Cabinet member for children and families, said: “Stories like James and Daniel’s are unfortunately becoming more common. Sibling groups are often hard to find placements for as there are limited foster carers that can take two or more children at a time.

“People from all different backgrounds become foster carers. If you have a spare bedroom and can offer these boys a safe and stable home please get in contact now. The council’s fostering team will support you throughout the application process and provide ongoing advice and guidance throughout your fostering career.

“We need residents to help us protect some of our most vulnerable local children. If you can help please get in contact.”

Foster carers are needed to care for a wide range of children in the borough including those over five-years-old, teenagers and children with additional needs.

RELATED STORY: Chester woman celebrates 43 years of fostering

If you can support a child or young person to achieve their best, the council will support you throughout your fostering journey. All council foster carers receive a competitive financial package, ongoing training, access to a 24 hour advice line and local support groups.

If you think you could be James and Daniel’s new foster family or would like to find out more about fostering, please contact the council on 01244 972222 or visit: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/fostering.

There are also a number of drop-in information sessions coming up where you can find out more information about fostering with Cheshire West and Chester Council:

Saturday, May 14, 10am–2pm at Northwich Artisan Market

Thursday, May 19, 4–6pm at Ellesmere Port Library

Friday, May 20, 8am–2pm at Neston Market

Thursday, May 26, 4–6pm at Chester Library.