FLINTSHIRE council is encouraging new foster parents to come forward and help children in need.

Last year, 69 local children came into foster care, including 20 babies and toddlers. The majority of the children were cared for by the 123 local authority foster carers with the County Council.

Flintshire fostering team is holding information sessions in the local area to offer information about fostering and to encourage more people to come forward.

Cllr Christine Jones, cabinet member for social services, said: “Our problem is that our wonderful experienced foster carers are full. They are already caring for children long term and we have new children coming into foster care who need a loving, safe, caring home.

“Our experienced foster carers are also retiring, and we need new carers to start fostering.”

The common reasons for children in care are children who are being hurt or neglected with parents living chaotic lifestyles involving drug/alcohol use and domestic violence.

The first session will be held on September 20, 7.30pm at Deeside Leisure Centre, then October 2, 7.30pm at Springfield Hotel.

Sessions will also be held on September 11 at Deeside Leisure Centre and October 25 at Springfield Hotel, both starting at 7.30pm.

Those wishing to attend can register by emailing fostering@flintshire.gov.uk.

Cllr Jones added: “We are looking for people who, ideally have some experience of working with children, perhaps in their job in a school, nursing or event as a scout leader or experience of raising their own children.

“We also need people whose own children are at least 10 years old, or ideally over 18. This will allow us to consider you to care for lots of different children, it doesn’t matter if you are single, married, young or old.”

More information about fostering can be found online at www.flintshirefostering.org.uk or by calling 01352 701 965.