Nearly half of teenagers in foster care are already living with their third family, according to a new survey.
The survey by the Fostering Network found 25% of teenagers are living with at least their fourth family in case, with 40% living with their third family.
The Fostering Network said the survey reveals teenagers are being moved too many times in care, warning it can be ‘hugely detrimental’ to children’s wellbeing.
‘As each year passes, we see more and more children coming into care,’ said Jackie Sanders, director of The Fostering Network. ‘We need people who can open their heart, and their homes, to vulnerable children and young people and use their skills to help support them to reach their full potential.
‘In particular we need people who have the skills, patience and passion to look after teenagers who may have had a really tough time and be facing some real challenges, and to offer them love, stability and security.’
The charity said more than 8,000 foster carers needed to be recruited this year to meet the needs of the rising number of children coming into care.
