The need for African Caribbean and mixed race foster carers is being highlighted in Nottingham at a day-long event on Monday at Nottingham Council House as part of this year’s African History Season.

Mixed race and Black Caribbean children and young people make up approximately 20 per cent of the total children in the care of Nottingham City Council.

Families who reflect their heritage can help meet their identity and cultural needs as well as offering them a safe and loving home. .

The information event at the Council House on Monday (October 27) between 10am and 6pm is for anyone considering looking after children from ethnic minority communities.

People who are already foster carers and adopters will be on hand to answer questions about the practicalities of fostering and adoption and the joys and challenges involved in taking a young person into their home.

Fay is a African Caribbean woman who has been fostering young people for the past 15 years. She said: “I have always had sympathy for teenagers and found that everyone I’ve looked after has individual needs. Young people need carers who will help and understand them. If you can do that, it’s immensely rewarding.”

Councillor David Mellen, Nottingham City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Children's Services, welcomed this event.

"We have always had a very encouraging response from Nottingham people to the needs of children in our care but it will be wonderful to see more coming forward to help us respond to this particular group of children. More than 60 people attended the last time we held a fostering and adoption event in the Council House and we're very much hoping for a similar or even better number this time

"If you've ever thought of fostering or adopting I'd very much encourage you to come and find out more about how you can help meet the needs of a child or young person in Nottingham."

"Nottingham City Council is particularly seeking people who live within or close to the city boundary and welcomes single, divorced, working or unemployed people from any cultural or religious background. They can be parents or childless and can volunteer to provide short term or permanent care for young people in need of a stable home life."

The Council’s Fostering and Adoption teams provide training and continuing support for foster carers and adopters. Anyone considering attending the City Council event can contact the fostering and adoption recruitment team on 0115 915 1234 for more information.