PEOPLE can discover more about the rewards of fostering at a series of special drop-in events.

To mark Foster Care Fortnight, Worcestershire County Council’s fostering service is holding information sessions which will allow residents to explore the ins and outs of being a foster carer.

Staff from the county fostering and kinship team and existing Worcestershire foster carers will be on hand to answer questions and discuss the benefits and rewards of fostering a local child.

Events will take place at Redditch Library on Saturday, May 21, from 10am to 12.30pm, Number 8 Community Arts Centre in Pershore on Monday, May 23, from 6pm to 8pm, Perdiswell Young People’s Leisure Club in Worcester on Tuesday, May 24, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm and Kidderminster Library on Wednesday, May 25, from 5pm to 7pm.

There is a shortage of more than 10,000 foster carers in the UK and the county’s fostering team is hoping to find 20 households by the end of 2011 that can offer vulnerable children a home.

This year there is a particular focus on finding people who would consider fostering sibling groups, unaccompanied asylum seeker children or children who need long-term fostering placements.

Julie Elliott, the council’s service manager for integrated provider services, children’s services, said: “Fostering is one of the most challenging and rewarding jobs you can do. Foster carers have a unique opportunity to make a real difference to a child’s life, supporting them and working to help them develop and achieve their potential.

“We are always looking for new foster carers and actively encourage people from across Worcestershire to come along to one of the four drop-ins taking place during this year’s Foster Care Fortnight campaign.

Experienced foster carers and fostering staff will be available at these events to talk to you about what fostering is really like.

“If you think you might have the time, patience and empathy required to foster, then don’t miss out and pop along to one of the sessions.”

Anyone unable to attend the events should call 0800 028 2158 or visit worcestershire.gov.uk/fostering.