Potential foster parents are being invited to a drop-in session being held at New County Hall in Truro on Thursday evening.

The event is being staged by Cornwall Cornwall Council’s Fostering Service between 6pm and 8pm as part of this year’s Foster Care Fortnight (13-26 May).

In Cornwall there are 264 families who currently foster, but with 474 children in care in the county, more are urgently needed.

Foster carers help some of the most vulnerable children and young people by providing guidance, stability and love. The council places a huge emphasis on both the need for high quality training for foster carers and ensuring they have access to consistent support.

Steve and Donna have been fostering in Cornwall for eight years. “The support we have from Cornwall social services is always first class,” they said. “We have 24/7 cover and we count on them as our extended family, and a big one at that.

“Fostering has its ups and downs but definitely more ups. The children become part of the family and that is so rewarding. We share tears and laughter mostly laughter in our household. We put our heart and soul into fostering and the best reward is the children, as they grow up and achieve so much along the way. Our aim is that each child we raise they do their best at school, respect others, and relish life to the full and stay happy.”

The council aims to dispel the many “fostering myths” surrounding who can foster and get the message out that foster carers come from a range of backgrounds and lifestyles. You can become a foster carer regardless of marital status, sexual orientation, age (as long as you are over 21), cultural background and financial status.

To find out more about becoming a foster carer, pop along to Thursday’s informal drop-in evening or call the fostering team on 01872 323 638.