UK needs 8,000 more foster carers, survey finds

A survey by the Fostering Network has shown that nearly 8,000
more foster carers are urgently needed.

An extra 7,800 foster carers must be recruited to ensure
children are given an appropriate placement, the survey of 128
local authorities found.

The finding has been revealed to mark the launch of ‘fostering
fortnight’, which will involve events across the country designed
to attract more foster carers. There are currently around 45,000
children and young people living with 37,000 foster families in the
UK.

Gerri McAndrew, the Fostering Network’s executive director,
said: “These new figures show that there is still a desperate need
for more carers in the UK.

It’s not just a question of numbers – each child should be able
to live with a carer carefully chosen to meet his or her specific
needs in terms of location, culture, lifestyle, language and even
interests,” she said.