A council will be taking to Twitter to dispel myths about fostering and adopting.
Leicestershire County Council will be launching the week-long social networking campaign on Monday in a bid to encourage people to offer stable and loving homes to vulnerable children.
The authority said common misconceptions about fostering and adoption included the idea only married couples could adopt, that you need to have a large home, that you cannot adopt if you are gay and that fostering is not open to people who live on their own.
Carole McLean is a foster carer from Market Harborough who, three years ago, thought she did not fit the brief.
She said: "I'd contemplated fostering but as I was a single parent who worked, I thought I wouldn't be considered.
"My daughter encouraged me to pick up the phone and apply and here I am, three years later, having fostered three children.
"If I'd known, I would have applied many years ago.''
Jan Slater, county council head of children in care, said: "There are a lot of myths about who can foster and adopt and we want to make sure potential carers are not deterred by rumours and misinformation.
"Anyone can be considered – whether you are on your own or in a relationship, working or not working, regardless of your race, religion, sexual orientation or financial situation – and we spend time matching children to families who can meet their needs.''
The campaign runs between Monday and Friday. To see the tweets follow:
@LeicsCountyHall.
To find out more, ring 0800 587 7767 or visit:
www.spaceforachild.com