Call for foster parents as more children in care
THE number of children in care in Lancashire has risen by 18%, with more than 500 additional children in 2018 compared with four years ago.
The number of children in care in England has increased by 27% in the past 10 years.
Barnardo’s foster carers in the region look after hundreds of children, giving them the best chance to have a happier and positive future. But the charity is concerned there are not enough suitable foster families to take care of the increasing numbers of vulnerable children in care. It is estimated that fostering services in the North West need to recruit at least a further 1,240 families in the next 12 months alone, in order that all locally-fostered children can live with the right family for them.
Without enough foster carers, this could mean children have to wait longer before finding the best match or that they may need to be moved to different families several times because the most appropriate carer is not available, which can have a negative impact on a child.
There is a particular need for foster carers to look after teenagers and sibling groups.
Rebecca Quigley, manager for Barnardo’s North West Fostering Service, said: “As the number of children in care continues to rise, it’s more important than ever that more people consider becoming foster carers to ensure the right loving families are available in the right location with the right training when children need them. Being a foster carer can be a challenge, but our carers tell us that opening your heart and your home to a vulnerable child is one of the most rewarding things you can do, giving children the life skills, support and care they need to build brighter futures.
“Children who have been taken into care have sometimes experienced trauma or difficult circumstances, which can make everyday challenges more difficult to overcome.
“Having a foster carer to support them through any difficult times can help enormously but our carers can only do this if they’re properly supported too.”
She added: “I would like to thank each and every one of our amazing foster carers for their dedication and urge anyone considering becoming a foster carer to get in touch to find out more.”
Barnardo’s North West Fostering Service offers training and support to carers, including extensive support throughout the application process, intensive induction and regular ongoing training, out-of-hours access to a social worker, access to support groups, short breaks and a generous financial fee.
To find out more, visit: www.barnardos.org.uk/fostering or www.facebook. com/barnardosnorthwestfostering.
To speak to a member of the Barnardo’s team about foster caring, call 0800 0277 280 or 0151 488 0822.