VALE residents are being urged to take the first step to fostering as the local authority launches a campaign to recruit more foster carers.
The new campaign - A Vale Child Needs Vale Foster Carers - is aiming to keep foster children in the Vale, rather than finding placements in other counties to coincide with Foster Care Fortnight.
Cllr Chris Elmore, Cabinet member for children's services, said: "When a child moves into foster care outside their own county, they leave their family, their friends, their school and their support network.
"Together, we can give Vale children the security they need."
The Vale council's fostering team welcomes applications from people from all walks of life, for respite, emergency, short-term or long-term placements.
It is particularly looking for people willing to provide foster care to siblings, teenagers or children with disabilities.
Foster carers are fully supported every step of the way said one couple who have recently become fosterers.
Charles and Gill, from Penarth said: "There is a great deal of satisfaction when things go well. It's nice to have kids running around the house. We feel like we are giving a child a second opportunity.
"The team has been very supportive."
A second Penarth couple, John and Cath, have been fostering with the Vale for five years.
"It has been the most rewarding and challenging experience of our lives," they said.
Anyone thinking of fostering should call 01446 729 600.
Alternatively email fostercare@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk, or visit www.valeofglamorgan.co.uk to fill in an online form.
Campaign launched across the Vale to recruit more foster carers
