An innovative approach is being taken to recruit foster carers and adopters across Leicestershire at the Heather Scarecrow Festival.

A custom-made display at the event near Ashby has been constructed by Leicestershire County Council's fostering and adoption team, to help start conversations about the hundreds of children and young people currently in care across the county.

The installation is currently available to view at the popular festival and show a family of scarecrows, including an 'adult', 'teenager' and 'young child'.

The scarecrow family can be seen at Heather St John's Football Club's ground, where visitors can also get more information about fostering and adoption from a stall in the clubhouse, along with a clear message: 'don't let fostering or adoption 'scare' you'.

With more than 730 children and young people in care across the county, and a further 50+ children waiting for their forever homes through adoption, the team is always looking for new ways to emphasize the increased demand.



The Scarecrow 'family' can be seen at Heather St John's FC.

Councillor Deborah Taylor, cabinet member for children and families, said: "Fostering and adoption isn't always an easy topic to discuss, but the number of children in care across Leicestershire is increasing, so we want to talk to more people about it.

"Choosing to foster or adopt is a selfless act that offers our children and young people security and stability.

"Our scarecrows showcase our 'We Are Family' ethos, and while we hope attendees enjoy seeing them, we also hope that they can generate some conversation."

The council's scarecrow installation will be in place for the entire event run, ending on Sunday 11 August.

Anyone interested in fostering or adoption, either now or in the future, can visit FosteringLeicestershire.com or AdoptionLeicestershire.com. Alternatively, those interested can get in direct touch with the team on 0116 305 0505.