Shortages mar lives of Welsh children

The shortage of foster carers in Wales has increased by 7 per cent
since 2002, causing one in five children in council care to be
moved three or more times a year, research by the Fostering Network
reveals.

Councils are also being forced to place children outside of their
area, disrupting children’s lives.

A spokesperson for the charity said: “A child can arrive in a new
area, not have a place secured at a school, as well as being far
away from family and friends.”

The Fostering Network said that the problem would not improve
unless carers received an allowance that covered the cost of
fostering.

The charity said last month there was a shortage of 8,200 foster
carers in England (news, page 9, 26 August).