A CO DOWN student who has been in foster care with the same family for seven years has backed a campaign urging more people to become carers.
Courtney (19) from Newtownards, who is starting a HND course in Business Studies at Belfast Met after performing well in her A-level exams, said she "would not have the opportunities" she has now if she hadn't received such support.
Fostered at the age of 12 through the Belfast health trust, the young woman is encouraging people to contact the regional Adoption and Fostering Service if they want to provide a home for a child in the care system.
There are more than 3,000 children and young people in foster care.
"I've lived with my foster carers for the past seven years and they are the most supportive and caring family. We spend a lot of time together like any other family; we cook together and my foster carers are always available if I wanted to talk through anything. They always encouraged me to do my best at school and I know that if I hadn't lived with my foster family my life would look very different now," Courtney said.
Social worker Una Carragher, who works for the regional service, said many myths exist about fostering.
"We welcome enquiries regardless of race, religion, language, culture, gender, disability, age and sexual orientation," she said.
"We are looking for people who can open up their hearts and homes to provide care for children and young people like Courtney who is now progressing to third-level education as a result of the support she received from her foster carers. Carers must be willing to offer a safe and secure home where children and young people feel valued, respected and cared for."
The Adoption and Fostering Service can be contacted on 0800 0720 137 or www.adoptionandfostering.hscni.net.
