Calls for foster carers in Kirklees

The council has started a new campaign to help find long-term foster homes for its children in need.

Long-term fostering is something that helped Marcus despite a traumatic start to life.

His early years were marred by neglect and physical abuse, leaving him with deep-rooted emotional and anger issues.

Placed into care at the age of eight and following several short-term placements, he eventually went to live with Cleckheaton foster carers Jane and Andrew Bottomley, where he has since remained.

Marcus said: “Before I was placed into care I felt extremely scared and upset at what was happening at home.

“I had nobody to turn to and I thought that I must have been doing something wrong.

“I’d been moved around several foster homes and had changed schools a few times, so had been through a real rollercoaster of emotions. But somehow with Jane and Andrew something just clicked.

“I now assist other children in care through a Kirklees Council scheme and am about to embark on a health and social care course, which will enable me to work with people who have additional needs.”

To find out more about long-term foster caring, visit www.kirklees.gov.uk/fostering or call 0800 389 0086.