Wokingham council is urging people to consider fostering a child as the service can't keep up with demands.

The fostering team for the council has stated that there are almost 50 council foster families in the borough but ten more are needed.

Cllr UllaKarin Clark, executive member for children’s services, said: "Our foster carers are some of the most special and valued residents of our borough but we always need more.

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"It’s also a hugely satisfying and rewarding thing to do, where your contributions help to protect and support for a young person by providing family life, commitment and stability.

"Please give it some thought this January and give us a call to see if it could be for you – you could change a life in 2020."

The council’s fostering team are running a number of recruitment events in the coming weeks, starting on January 15, running from 11.30am to 2pm at Asda in Lower Earley.

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There will also be a session on January 16 from 11.30am to 2pm at Tesco in Wokingham, January 22 from 5.15pm to 7.45pm at the council offices, Shute End in Wokingham, and February 23, from 7.30am to 1.00pm at the Wokingham Half Marathon, Cantley Park in Wokingham.

A spokesman for Wokingham Borough Council stated: "What matters most is finding the right family or person to look after the children.

"Foster carers come from all walks of life, regardless of age, culture, background, sexual orientation and whether you are a homeowner or tenant.

"If you have a spare room, live within twenty miles of the borough and have time for a child, you could be right for it.

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"The council offers attractive payment packages, council tax exemption, excellent training including a specialist therapeutic programme, as well as one-to-one and out-of-hours support.

"Fees increase with experience often resulting in the equivalent of a reasonable salary, which could provide a complete change of career.

"Fees are currently in the process of being reviewed for early 2020."

For more information on how to foster a child in the Wokingham Borough, CLICK HERE.