Foster carers urgently needed

The Fostering Network have released figures for the number of foster carers needed in 2016: A total of 9070 fostering families are needed throughout the UK, which includes 600 families urgently needed in the South West. 

Currently, over 64,000 children live with almost 55,000 foster families across the UK. Foster care provides children with a safe, secure and nurturing family environment, and allows them to keep in contact with their own families if it is safe to do so.

Finding 600 new foster families in the South West is crucial to ensure that every child is found the right home, first time. Without these supportive families, there’s a danger that children will have to be moved a long way from home, change schools, and be split up from their siblings and friends, or some may be placed in residential care, when foster care has been assessed as the best option for them.

Kevin Williams, chief executive of The Fostering Network: “Foster families give children the opportunity of the childhood that they deserve, a childhood that otherwise they may not have had.”

‘Regional Foster placements’ is a family-run independent fostering agency whose head office is in Plymouth, are urging people to seek information if they feel they can provide a suitable home environment. ‘It is about agencies and Local Authorities working together to promote foster care in the area, new foster families are vital ’- Matthew Randles - Regional Foster placements.

The Agency recently held a celebration event where Foster Carers have collectively provided over 150 years of dedication to supporting children and young people in the south west. Awards were presented to honour the commitment of foster carers, many of whom have been fostering for over ten years. Between them they have helped change the lives of many hundreds of children, however many more suitable fostering families are needed.

For more information visit www.regionalfosterplacements.co.uk

Call free on 0800 0191165 or email enquiries@regionalfosterplacements.co.uk