Need to keep foster siblings together

BARNARDO’S is calling for more people to consider becoming a foster carer after the numbers of children referred to the charity’s fostering services across the UK shot up. The number of children needing care has increased 36% over the past 12 months.

Barnardo’s is looking for more foster carers to ensure that when a child needs a loving, stable and safe family, there are local carers available. In particular, they are looking for people who would consider caring for siblings as they can offer each other support and it can help reduce feelings of isolation.

The number of sibling groups referred to its services in the UK over the same period rose by 31%.

A new YouGov survey for Barnardo’s encouragingly shows that 14% of adults in Great Britain would consider fostering a child aged 18 or under in the next five years. However, that figure drops to just 6% when asked the same question about fostering siblings.

The survey shows how vital it is for siblings to remain together with 70% of adults saying it was important that they and their sibling were together when they grew up and 60% of respondents

who had a sibling saying it would have had a negative impact on them if they had been separated while growing up.

Barnardo’s hopes to hear from people from all backgrounds from around the UK, including BAME and LGBT communities. It welcomes passionate individuals from all walks of life. If you are over 21, have a spare room, are a UK resident and have the time and commitment to support a child - you could be the special person they need.

Barnardo’s has 100 years of experience in fostering. Experts provide all the training needed and provide support 24/7. Foster carers will also get financial support, including a carer’s allowance to help make a positive difference to a child’s life.

For further information visit https://www.barnardos.org.uk/ foster.

Steve Oversby, Barnardo’s director,

North Region