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There are almost 400 children in care in Hackney but only 130 approved foster carers to look after them.Hackney Council is calling on residents to consider fostering this National Foster Care Fortnight (13-26 May).This follows a local trend that has seen the number of mainstream fostering households in Hackney shrink for the second consecutive year, despite a growing care population.There has been a 41% decline in foster carer approvals in the last 12 months according to data gathered by the Fostering Service. Fostering for Hackney Council means that you are helping local children and your community by keeping children local, close to their family, schools and friends. You will also receive a Council Tax reduction and a dedicated social worker to ensure the process runs smoothly.Mother of four Debbie has been a foster carer with Hackney’s Fostering Service since 1994 and is still as enthusiastic 30 years later, having cared for hundreds of children in that time.She says: “Foster caring has been my life. I think of it as being a sunflower and every year I look towards the sun and create loads of seeds that are scattered across the field. If you are continuing to scatter those seeds, the growth of love is priceless.” Debbie, a former fashion buyer turned nursery nurse, and her partner, David, opened their home and became foster carers shortly after the birth of their second child.“Fostering suits me and my family down to the ground”, Debbie explains. “My children don’t know any different and we’ve had so many positive experiences and memories from each and every foster sibling that has come into our home.”The training and the support provided by Hackney’s fostering team and other foster carers helps her to tackle the challenges of the role and are a big part of the many rewards.“Being a foster carer is like being part of one big extended family”, she says. “Communication and sharing are vital, not only with the children in your care but with the people who act as a wonderful support network.”“Anyone thinking of becoming a foster carer should research every aspect of the role and see how much training and advice you can tap into. And speak to other carers and use them as mentors, there is no substitute than to listen to someone who has had years of experience.”If you think you could be a Foster carer, have questions,or would simply like to find out more call : 08000 730 418; or visit: www.hackney.gov.uk/fosteringThe next drop in information event is on 14 June, at 12pm at Room 58 at the Hackney Service Centre, 1 Hillman Street, E8 1DY.  ENDSNotes to editors:Foster Care Fortnight is an annual UK-wide awareness campaign co-ordinated by the Fostering Network.This year the campaign is from Monday 13 to Sunday 24 May 2024, and over the two weeks Hackney’s Fostering Service, together with fostering services all over the UK, will be raising the profile of fostering and highlighting the need for more foster carers to come forward.Hackney Council wants foster carers from a wide range of backgrounds to best match the needs of different children. We especially encourage Hackney residents to apply but welcome applicants from surrounding boroughs as well.As part of the Hackney promise to children in care, the Council has recently changed its policy so that care leavers can now register for housing at age 18.