Barnardo’s declares ‘state of emergency’ over fostering

THE number of children needing foster parents after family breakdown has shot up by 44 per cent during the pandemic, says Barnardo’s.

The charity said it faced a “state of emergency” as the number of parents seeking to foster children fell by half over the same period.

Javed Khan, Barnardo’s chief executive, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has hit vulnerable families the hardest, with many reaching crisis point. This has created a state of emergency as more children than ever need a safe and loving foster family, while fewer adults are coming forward as potential foster carers.”

Figures show there were 2,349 referrals to Barnardo’s fostering services in England, Wales and Northern Ireland from March 1 to April 23, up from 1,629 for the same period in 2019.

At the same time, the number of foster parents inquiring about taking the children fell by 47 per cent, from 302 to 161.

Barnardo’s said the lockdown had increased pressure on vulnerable families through job losses, financial issues and worsening mental health, culminating in family breakdown. It warned there was also evidence of rising domestic violence, with police-recorded incidents up 8 per cent and calls to helplines up 30 per cent, plus concerns about increased sex abuse.

The charity suspected that concerns over the health risk from coronavirus and uncertainty about the future had contributed to the fall in foster parent inquiries. Mr Khan appealed for more potential foster parents to come forward, promising: “We will support you every step of the way with training and a dedicated social worker. You’ll also receive financial support, including a carer’s allowance.

“Today, there are hundreds of children who have been referred to Barnardo’s and are waiting to be placed with a foster family.

“If you’re over 21, have a spare room and the time and commitment to support a child in need, please do consider getting in touch today.”