More residents have been asked to step up as foster parents.

Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, told the House of Assembly yesterday: “Our children, vulnerable for many reasons, need us.”

She said while the ministry was thankful for the existing pool of foster parents, “we must express our plea vehemently — we need more”.

Foster parents receive continuing support from the Department of Child and Family Services.

Questioned by opposition MP Susan Jackson, Ms Furbert said there are 59 children in foster care, with 57 foster families on the island.

During May, which is Foster Care Month, the DCFS carried out several recruitment activities.

Ms Furbert said the foster care team appeared on two morning radio shows, while foster care co-ordinator Selena Simons spoke at the Hamilton Seventh-Day Adventist Church on King Street on May 11.

There were extra radio talks planned with local stations through the month, and graphics were posted on government social media pages for recruiting foster carers.

On May 5, the DCFS held its annual appreciation tea for foster parents to show “tangible gratitude to foster parents, kinship caregivers and respite care providers”.

• Anyone interested in becoming a foster parent can call 294-5871 or e-mail Selena Simons at smsimons@gov.bm