A special appeal to find a happy foster home for four siblings

County Councillor Phillippa Williamson, cabinet member for children, young people and schools, is urging anyone who is considering fostering to think about whether they can help.

The four siblings Harry aged 15, Arlo aged 12, Flynn aged eight and Lilly aged six - not their real names, have a close bond but are currently living apart with two separate families.

According to Lancashire County Council, being able to keep their ties with each other will help them to be able to thrive in the future.

Councillor Williamson said: "We have a family of four children who have been through a lot in their young lives. They are all very close and supportive of each other. We need to find them a permanent, long-term fostering family where they can grow up together.

"We are doing all we can to keep these children together. In cases like this, the family relationships take on extra importance. Being able to remain together will be an important source of comfort, strength and support.

"We often have to find fostering families for brother and sister groups, but this is a big number to try to accommodate – hence the appeal to the public. I'm hoping that we can encourage people to at least think this over."

The siblings have all witnessed domestic abuse at home and had been subject to neglect and emotional abuse.

People are being asked to consider whether a change in their circumstances caused by the current Coronavirus pandemic could leave them well placed to now provide a loving home for these children.

The county council is also urging anyone who has fostered with them in the past to think about coming forward to offer the benefit of their experience.

They hope that foster carers currently taking a break from fostering and retired foster carers will come forward as they already have the skills and know how important fostering is for making a real difference to the life of a child.

According to the LCC, the care for vulnerable children is one of their highest priorities, with the fostering team available 24/7 to offer support and advice. Foster carers also have access to their own social worker, a dedicated helpline and flexible training.

And foster carers can expect to receive between £250 and £428 per week for each child they care for.

Anyone interested in finding out more about Harry, Arlo, Flynn and Lilly should contact the fostering team on 0300 123 6723.

To find out more about becoming a foster carer visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/fostering or call 0300 123 6723.