Magazine is fertile ground for carers

Social workers at Blackburn with Darwen Council have adopted a
novel approach to tackling the shortage of foster carers by
advertising for families in Farmer’s Weekly.

Normally a favourite for advertisers of machinery and fertilizer,
the magazine was used to find a foster family for 11-year-old
Bobby.*

His birth family worked with horses and looking after them has had
a positive effect on his emotional and behavioural problems.

Senior social worker Karen Wardle said: “We knew Bobby would be
happiest living on a farm. It suits his background and he had found
living in residential care confining.”

The advert has attracted five responses. A spokesperson for the
council said more “unusual” publications would be used again.

* Not his real name

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