GLOUCESTERSHIRE County Council is appealing for people from the black and minority ethnic (BME) communities to consider fostering and adoption.

The county council is particularly keen to hear from people interested in fostering or adopting older children, sibling groups and disabled children.

There are currently 494 children in care and around eight per cent of these children are from BME communities.

There are 16 BME foster care households in the county, out of 234 foster care households.

The Dixons are a mixed-race family, mum Sue is white, and dad Derek is black British.

They live with their daughter Kelly who has recently finished university and now works.

They were until recently looking after a 17-year-old boy who came to them at the age of 15.

He has moved back home to live with his mum and the family are now fostering two young girls.

Kelly said, “To begin with, it was a little bit strange. I was excited about the prospect of fostering, but a little bit apprehensive. Two years on and we can’t imagine giving up. Fostering teenagers was a daunting prospect but it’s an age group that really needs stability and guidance to go on and make something of their lives. We have had our challenges but we get through it as a family. You have to be realistic about what’s involved and you need the support from your social worker, family and friends.”

Cllr Paul McLain, cabinet member for children and young people, said: "We are always looking for people from all walks of life to foster or adopt and in particular we need more people from black and minority ethnic communities to come forward. It’s important that children have the chance to grow up in families who can understand and be sensitive to their cultural, religious, physical and emotional needs to get the best start in life.”

The county council is holding information stands and drop in sessions for people to come along and find out more about fostering and adoption:

Friday, February 6, 10am-4pm at Morrisons Gloucester, GL1 1DS

Tuesday, February 10, 10am-3pm at ASDA Cheltenham, GL51 6PN

Wednesday, February 11, 12pm-6pm at New Testament Church Of God, 89 Stroud Road, Gloucester, GL1 5AH

Thursday, February 12, 2pm-7pm at The Trust Centre, Conduit Street, Gloucester, GL1 4XH

Friday, February 13, 2pm-6pm, Stroud Library, GL5 1BB

The county council accepts applications to foster from all sectors of society.

There is no upper age limit to foster and people can be married, single, co-habiting, in a heterosexual or same sex relationship, a homeowner or renting a property.

All children are different, and to meet their needs, the county council is looking for a wide variety of people.

However all applicants will need to be over 21 and have a spare room (or spare rooms for siblings) in their home.

Anyone interested in fostering can contact Gloucestershire County Council's fostering team on 01242 532654 or visit gloucestershire.gov.uk/fostering.

To find out more about adoption contact Gloucestershire County Council’s adoption team on 01452 427753 or visit gloucestershire.gov.uk/adoption.