The UK needs another 8,000 new foster families to ensure all fostered children can find the right home, a charity has warned today.
New figures by The Fostering Network found that 8,100 families are needed across the UK, with particularly demand for families to offer homes to teenagers and sibling groups.
The charity warns that without more foster families coming forward this year, more children will find themselves placed a long way from their family, school and friends, and could be placed with carers without the right skills.
Kevin Williams, chief executive of The Fostering Network said: ‘Across the UK a child comes into care in need of a foster family every 20 minutes, and thousands of foster families are willing to open their hearts and homes to these children, often offering them their first experience of a stable, secure and caring home.
‘Looking after fostered children, many of whom who have experienced trauma, abuse or neglect, can be challenging. But it is that challenge, along with the reward of seeing these children and young people flourish, that many foster carers say makes them proud to foster.’
