High number of fostered teenagers have been moved three times or more, survey reveals

One in four fostered teenagers are on their fourth placement while 40% are living with their third different family in care, a survey by The Fostering Network has revealed.

The charity’s survey covered over 1,600 children and young people in foster care and also found that one in 20 fostered teenagers are living with at least their tenth family since entering care.

The Fostering Network said that constant placement movement can have “hugely detrimental” effects on children’s education, wellbeing and ability to make relationships.

It said the findings highlight the need to find more people willing to foster teenagers.

Jackie Sanders, director of The Fostering Network, said there needed to be more people opening their homes to vulnerable children.

“In particular we need people who have the skills, patience and passion to look after teenagers who may have had a really tough time and be facing some real challenges, and to offer them love, stability and security,” said Sanders.

The research was released for the start of The Fostering Network’s annual foster care fortnight, which runs from today until June 14.